From bench to bedside and the problem of ensuring equity in healthcare

As part of its commitment to continuing professional development, the Malta Medical Journal is pleased to issue its clinical updates for this year. The latest developments in the fields of respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynaecology, urology, emergency medicine and orthopaedics are presented here. The impact of new technologies in the various fields is a tribute to the scientists who make advances in the diagnosis and management of disease and the clinicians who implement these discoveries. The major hurdle to be overcome in a number of institutions and countries worldwide is lack of access to resources and new management options as a result of inadequate facilities, trained personnel and financial restraints. Arebi & Saunders provide us with an example of the targets attainable with the establishment of a facility dedicated to staff development and training, albeit in this instance, in one particular area.peer-reviewe