Have you got anything planned in the evening on Tuesday 22nd October? You’re in for an eye-opening experience if you head over to The Phoenicia in Floriana at 6pm.

Throughout history, medical advancements have been linked to war and other global threats. On Tuesday, Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis tackles this topic head on in his fascinating talk on Climate Change & Global Health Challenges – Perspective from a Career in International Military Medicine. Here’s why you should attend.

1. To listen to the voice of an expert

This is a man who has got quite the track record of achievement and expertise. As a doctor, Dr Jarvis has won many professional awards as a consultant clinical radiologist. And being appointed Honorary Surgeon to Her Majesty The Queen from 2006 to 2012 certainly ranks high in his list of achievements.

He is also a highly decorated war veteran who is the Chair of St John Ambulance, and the Prior of England and the Islands of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem. In the Royal Navy, he was deployed to areas of conflict and received operational medals from the UK Government, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait. Needless to say, he is an expert held in high esteem.

2. To learn from on-the-ground experience

Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis draws on his personal experiences in the Royal Navy to explain how medicine evolves alongside conflict. He tracks back to the times of the Hospitaller Knights to illustrate how history proves that this will continue into the future. And now, medicine must react to global threats, such as climate change, that will increasingly impact our planet.

In his talk, he wants to stimulate reaction and debate. He uses on-the-ground experiences from the Gulf and Iraq Wars as well as military medical operations in Afghanistan to demonstrate how recent history and current developments impact the realities of medicine and global health that inevitably affect us all.

3. To contribute to vital restoration in Valletta

Holding the talk in Malta is very important to Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis. As Commander of Merit Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Dr Jarvis is keen to support the Save Valletta’s Skyline appeal. The aim of the appeal is to raise €8 million to fund vital restoration work on St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral in Valletta. Funds raised through the talk will support the restoration of this iconic building so unique to the image of Malta. 

So head over to The Phoenicia to learn from the past for the benefit of the future. It sounds like a truly inspirational evening to us – and did we mention you’ll be savouring wine and delectable treats at the same time?

‘Climate Change & Global Health Challenges – Perspective from a Career in International Military Medicine’, a talk by Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, will be held at 6pm on 22 October at the Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana. Tickets are priced at €25 per person, which includes wine and canapés. Tickets and further information are available via email on [email protected].