Physiotherapy at UM

Dear Students,

As you begin your examination period tomorrow, I would like to wish each and every one of you the very best. A special thought goes to our 4th year students, who are approaching the final examinations of their undergraduate journey and an important milestone on the path towards becoming physiotherapists.

Examinations are important, but they do not define you. They are only one part of a much bigger picture. What truly matters is the knowledge you have gained, the skills you have developed, the resilience you have shown, and the person and professional you are becoming. Throughout this year, you have invested countless hours of study, made personal sacrifices, overcome challenges, and continued to move forward with determination. Take a moment to recognise and be proud of what you have already achieved.

As you enter the examination hall, carry with you the values that brought you to higher education: curiosity, commitment, integrity, perseverance, and respect for others. Trust in the work you have done and in the effort you have invested.

I also encourage you to reflect on and thank those who have supported you throughout the year - your families, friends, classmates, clinical educators, lecturers, and all those who have guided and encouraged you along the way. Success is rarely achieved alone.

Stay calm, stay focused, and give your best. Whatever the outcome of any individual examination, remember that it is your sustained effort, character, and commitment to learning that will ultimately shape your future.

Good luck to you all.

John Xerri de Caro
Head, Department of Physiotherapy

Warmest congratulations to Prof. Stephen Lungaro Mifsud on his promotion to Associate Professor.

This is a richly deserved recognition of his long-standing contribution to physiotherapy education, clinical education, rehabilitation, ageing, digital health, and the continued development of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Physiotherapy.

Prof. Lungaro Mifsud’s academic and professional journey reflects quiet leadership, commitment to collaboration, and a deep investment in the growth of others - colleagues, students, practitioners, and the profession itself. His work has contributed significantly to the development of physiotherapy in Malta, particularly in relation to older persons, community and home rehabilitation, clinical mentorship, and health innovation.

On behalf of the Department of Physiotherapy, we extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes as he continues to contribute to the University, the Faculty, and the wider profession in this new academic role.

Well done, Stephen. A proud moment for the Department and Faculty. 👏

Stephen Lungaro-Mifsud

Physio Futures Awards | Department Ambassador Award

The Department of Physiotherapy was proud to present the Department Ambassador Award to Ally Pizzuto and Gabriella Bezzina.

This award recognises students who represent the Department with pride, warmth, and professionalism, and who embody the values and spirit of the Department in a visible and positive way.

Ally and Gabriella have contributed generously to the life of the Department, helping to project a welcoming, committed, and professional image of physiotherapy education at the University of Malta.

Their contribution reminds us that students can be powerful ambassadors - not only of their programme, but also of the profession they are preparing to enter.

Congratulations, Ally and Gabriella, and thank you for representing the Department of Physiotherapy so positively.

Physio Futures Awards | Leading by Example

The Award for Leading by Example was presented during our Physiotherapy at UM Showcase to recognise students who positively influence others through their attitude, conduct, commitment, and personal example.

Leadership is not always loud or formal. Very often, it is shown through consistency, generosity, reliability, and the quiet ability to inspire others by the way one behaves.

These awards were nominated by peers, making the recognition especially meaningful. They reflect the respect and appreciation of fellow students who have seen these qualities in action throughout the year.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Julia Schembri
Kyle Tabone
Kaya Spencer
Mark Demarco

Thank you for leading through example and for contributing so positively to the spirit of your cohorts.

(Picture shows the Awards recipients from the 1st Year cohort together with Dr Stephen Lungaro Mifsud and Dr John Xerri de Caro)

Physio Futures Awards | Resilience

During Physio Futures – Inside Physiotherapy @ UM, the Department of Physiotherapy celebrated students whose journey reflects perseverance, adaptability, and strength of character.

The Award for Resilience recognises students who continue to move forward in the face of challenge, showing determination, commitment, and the capacity to grow through difficulty.

This award carries particular meaning because the recipients were nominated by their peers - by those who have witnessed their effort, their courage, and their ability to keep going.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Martina Busttil
Ella Gatt
Neil Azzopardi
John Wilson

Your resilience is an important part of your professional journey, and we are proud to recognise it.

(Picture shows the Awards recipients from the 2nd year cohort together with Dr Tonio Agius and Dr Stephen Lungaro-Mifsud)

Physio Futures Awards | Compassion and Team Spirit

The Department of Physiotherapy was proud to present the Award for Compassion and Team Spirit during our first Physio Futures – Inside Physiotherapy @ UM Showcase.

This award recognises students who show empathy, kindness, and genuine care towards others, while contributing positively to their cohort through support, encouragement, and collaboration.

In physiotherapy, knowledge and skill matter greatly - but so too do compassion, human connection, and the ability to lift others up.

These awards were made even more special because the recipients were nominated by their peers, reflecting the positive impact they have had on those around them.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Sarah Fenech Pace
Celine Vella
Jake Attard
Kylie Vella

Thank you for reminding us of the importance of kindness, care, and team spirit in the making of a physiotherapist.

(Picture shows the Award Recipients from the 4th year cohort together with Dr Nadine Spiteri Gingell and Dr Anabel Sciriha)

Physio Futures Awards | Professional Presence

As part of our first Physio Futures – Inside Physiotherapy at UM Showcase, the Department of Physiotherapy celebrated students who stand out not only for what they achieve, but for the way they carry themselves as developing professionals.

The Award for Professional Presence recognises students who consistently demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and professionalism in their attitude, behaviour, and engagement with others.

What makes this award especially meaningful is that the recipients were nominated by their peers - by the students who learn with them, work alongside them, and experience their professionalism first-hand.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Julia Schembri
Kyle Tabone
Kaya Spencer
Daniel Cassar Zammit

Well done on setting such a positive example within your cohorts.

(Picture shows the Award Recipients from the 3rd Year Cohort together with Dr Tonio Agius and Dr Nadine Spiteri Gingell)

Physio Futures – Inside Physiotherapy at UM Showcase was made possible through the support, collaboration, and goodwill of many people working quietly behind the scenes.

The Department of Physiotherapy extends its sincere thanks to CareMalta Group for their generous sponsorship and continued support of our departmental initiatives.

We are also deeply grateful to Lucienne Bugeja, Raymond Pace, and Maronia Schembri from the UM Conference and Events Unit for their guidance, organisation, and professional support in helping us bring this event together so smoothly.

A special word of thanks also goes to Bea Xerri de Caro for capturing the spirit of the occasion through her photography, helping us preserve the many special moments shared by our students, families, staff, and guests.

Events like this are never the work of one person alone. They are built through collaboration, commitment, and shared belief in what we are trying to create as a Department.

Thank you to all who contributed to making our first Showcase such a memorable and meaningful occasion. 💙

We wish all our students, lecturers, clinical mentors, colleagues and friends a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year 🎅🎄⛪🌟🎆🎇🍾 . May 2026 be fruitful, and may it live up to your dreams! 👍