Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) officially launched the transformation of its Faculty of Medicine into the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) on Friday (August 1) at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No.3, Medan.
The launch was marked by a symbolic hand-scan ceremony led by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, and FKIK Dean Dr. Siti Masliana Siregar, Sp.THT-KL (K).
This rebranding represents more than just a name change—it signifies an institutional strengthening and expansion of academic focus. Previously, the faculty only offered programs in Medicine (Bachelor’s and Professional Doctor), Primary Care Family Medicine, and Biomedical Sciences.
Rector Prof. Agussani explained that the transformation was in response to national regulations and challenges from the Ministries of Education and Health to meet the growing demand for general practitioners, specialists, and health professionals in Indonesia, particularly in North Sumatra.
“We believe the time is right for this change. The university is ready, supported by both human resources and infrastructure. Our goal is to make UMSU a leading institution in North Sumatra. We remain committed to producing doctors who are not only competent but also embody Islamic values,” he stated.
He also reflected on the journey of the Faculty of Medicine, which was established in 2008 and has since produced 1,152 alumni.
“The faculty’s development poses challenges for the future. We must look beyond undergraduate medical education and seize greater opportunities. Alhamdulillah, this transformation aligns with national regulations and reflects our readiness to answer the demand for both general practitioners and specialists,” he added.
Following the launch, UMSU announced plans to open specialist programs in Surgery, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Pulmonology, along with new programs in Nursing and Pharmacy.
The event also included the graduation and oath-taking ceremony for 10 new doctors from UMSU’s Professional Medical Education Program. Based on the decree read by FKIK Vice Dean I, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurfadly, MKT, all 10 graduates were officially declared qualified and took their professional oath.
“Alhamdulillah, only 13 of our alumni are currently retaking the national medical competency exam (UKMPPD)—the lowest number yet. Our graduates are now serving in various regions across Indonesia. Both our Bachelor of Medicine and Professional Doctor programs have also received the highest accreditation rating,” noted the Rector.
Dean Dr. Siti Masliana emphasized that adding “Health Sciences” to the faculty name reflects the institution’s readiness to address national health workforce challenges.
“This is not just a new name, but an added responsibility. The faculty will no longer focus solely on medical education, but also on developing broader health science disciplines,” she explained.
The Director of UMSU’s main teaching hospital, RSUD Amri Tambunan, Dr. Hanip Fahri, MM, M.Ked (KJ). Sp (KJ)., also praised UMSU graduates.
“Being a doctor is more than holding a degree—it is about saving lives. Doctors are invaluable assets. UMSU alumni show resilience and strong character, qualities that are vital in building humanistic and professional doctors,” he said.
He further expressed his commitment to strengthening collaboration with FKIK UMSU through in-house training, seminars, and joint publications, noting that the hospital has prepared facilities to support student clinical practice.
The ceremony was attended by key figures including UMSU Vice Rector I Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, M.Hum., Vice Rector II Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., Chairman of BPH Dr. H. Bahril Datuk, M.M., directors of RSUD Amri Tambunan, RSUD Dr. Pirngadi Medan, RSU Haji Medan, Putri Hijau Kesdam I/BB Hospital, RS Bhayangkara Medan, the Head of Medan Search and Rescue Agency, and representatives from 20 high schools and vocational schools across Medan.
