Prof. Stephen Montefort has been awarded a gold medal in recognition of his longstanding contributions to Malta’s healthcare system and medical education.

The honour was presented by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela during a commemorative event marking the 350th anniversary of Malta’s Medical School. The ceremony was held at the historic Sacra Infermeria in Valletta.

Stephen Montefort Receiving the gold medal / LinkedIn

Describing the moment as “very emotional”, Prof. Montefort said the recognition reflects a lifetime dedicated to medicine and academia. “This is an honour I will treasure for the rest of my life as whatever role I play in life, I will always identify first and foremost as a medic and an academic,” he noted.

Prof. Montefort currently serves as Malta’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, but his career in Malta spans over three decades in clinical practice and academia. A Consultant Respiratory Physician, he is widely regarded for his patient-centred approach and mentorship of medical students and colleagues.

Within the University of Malta’s Faculty of Medicine, he held key leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Medicine and Deputy Dean. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing the Faculty as an international examination hub for the clinical PACES examination of the Royal College of Physicians, a critical qualification for doctors specialising in internal medicine.

His academic contributions include numerous cited scientific publications, as well as the supervision of multiple PhD and Master’s students. He also played a central role in shaping the Faculty’s academic standards, including reforms to the MD final examination format, which received strong feedback from external examiners.

In addition, Prof. Montefort contributed to the organisation of the Medical School Conference, serving in roles such as vice chairman of the organising committee and chair of its scientific committee, and was a longstanding member of the Faculty Doctoral Committee.