Dr Abela has contributed to the clinical fields of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine in Malta and in Europe through his contributions to the development of Specialist Training in Malta, adoption of the European Examinations in Malta, setting up the Patient safety team at Mater Dei, and his roles as Chair of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at Mater Dei during the COVID19 pandemic. He held posts as AAM President, President of European Board of Anaesthesia UEMS & Chair of Multidisciplinary Board of Pain Medicine UEMS. He has contributed to the development of Organ Donation and Transplantation and continues to practice chronic pain management at Mater Dei Hospital.