Source: iStock photo
National Doctors’ Day, commemorated every October 24, is an opportunity to recognize doctors’ dedication to improving public health. Beyond providing medical services in hospitals, doctors also contribute through healthcare service innovations and entrepreneurship in the medical field.
National Doctors’ Day coincides with the founding anniversary of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) on October 24, 1950. The occasion also serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism, ethical responsibility, and social awareness in the medical profession.
Untar contributes to the development of medical professionals through its Faculty of Medicine (FK), established on October 1, 1965. Over more than six decades, FK Untar has produced graduates who have pursued careers in various areas of healthcare, including medical practice, academia, and healthcare entrepreneurship.
In medical services, one of its alumni, dr. Andre Setiawan Suryadi, Sp.B., practices as a general surgeon at Mitra Keluarga Hospital. Meanwhile, Dr. dr. Noer Saelan Tadjudin, Sp.KJ., works as a psychiatrist at Royal Taruma Hospital and Dharmawangsa Psychiatric Hospital. He was also involved in mental health services following the Aceh tsunami in December 2004.
FK Untar alumni have also contributed through healthcare entrepreneurship, or healthpreneurship. Among them are dr. Ronald Yulianto, M.Biomed. (AAM), who developed Jakarta Derma Clinic, and dr. Gaby Syerly, M.Biomed. (AAM), founder of Youth & Beauty Clinic. Both provide medical aesthetic services.
Another alumnus, dr. Timothy Jusuf, developed Homecare by dr. Timothy Jusuf, which provides healthcare services directly at patients’ homes. This initiative shows how medical service models can extend beyond conventional healthcare facilities.
These doctors represent just a portion of the contributions made by FK Untar alumni across Indonesia. Many other graduates continue to apply their knowledge and expertise through medical services, education, research, and various public health initiatives. Their work demonstrates the wide range of opportunities for doctors to serve society, both through direct patient care and healthcare innovation.
In response to developments in medical science and technology, Untar continues to strive to develop medical education that adapts to changing needs. Scientific knowledge and clinical skills must go hand in hand with integrity, professional ethics, communication skills, and sensitivity to community needs.
National Doctors’ Day also serves as a reminder that the contributions of higher education institutions extend beyond producing successful graduates. Through the work of its medical alumni, Untar continues to provide education whose benefits reach beyond the classroom and into society through healthcare services, innovation, and sustained community engagement. (CJ/YS)