Dr Laura Azzopardi was recently presented with the BOV Prize in Medicine – an award instituted this year by the Department of Medicine at the University of Malta Medical School.

The BOV Prize in Medicine is awarded to the candidate who obtains the highest mark in the final qualifying examination in medicine. This is a composite mark derived from the result of two three-hour papers and an extensive practical examination. Candidates who perform very well in their examination are short-listed for a formal viva voce examination held at the Faculty Board Room of the Medical School. Dr Laura Azzopardi performed exceptionally well in the examination and was awarded a grade A with distinction.

Charles Borg, Executive Head, CEO’s Office at Bank of Valletta presented the award to Dr Azzopardi in the presence of Professor Joseph Cacciottolo, Head of the Department of Medicine.

Mr Borg congratulated Dr Azzopardi on winning the first BOV Prize in Medicine. “The BOV Prize in Medicine which we have instituted this year together with the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery seeks to reward excellence. Only one student can win this award. The BOV Prize in Medicine is an achievement that only the best student can reach,” said Mr Borg.

He said that the bank hoped that the BOV Prize in Medicine would act as a motivator for students to excel in their studies.

“At Bank of Valletta, we seek to support outstanding students and to recognise their achievements,” said Mr Borg who explained that the promotion of educational development forms an important pillar of BOV’s Community Programme.

Speaking about the award, Prof. Cacciottolo said “The concept behind this award is to encourage the highest level of commitment from our students. In this regard, all candidates for this award were examined serially in six clinical stations by 12 examiners, including an external examiner. This year’s external examiner was Prof. Edward Hillhouse, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Leeds.”