Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, paid a courtesy visit to Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) to strengthen inter-university collaboration and discuss the acceleration of medical education development, particularly specialist programs.
The UMSU delegation was warmly received by USU Rector, Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., on Tuesday (Sept 2) at the USU Rectorate meeting room, Jalan Dr. T. Mansur No.9, Padang Bulan, Medan.
“We have long intended to make this visit. UMSU’s journey cannot be separated from the guidance and support of USU as our elder brother. I must also report that UMSU is one of the Muhammadiyah universities (PTMA) most actively collaborating with other institutions, particularly USU and Unimed,” said UMSU Rector Prof. Agussani.
He highlighted that UMSU has maintained strong ties with USU for years, especially in academic mentoring. Currently, UMSU has been entrusted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to accelerate the development of specialist education at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK).
“We have received directives and invitations from the Ministry related to the acceleration of specialist medical education, and FKIK UMSU has been given the opportunity. Of course, we seek guidance from you, Mr. Rector. Thank you for the motivation and support you have continuously provided,” he added.
Prof. Agussani also sought support from the USU academic community for the success of the 2027 Muhammadiyah Congress in North Sumatra, noting that UMSU is currently preparing the construction of a new auditorium and sports hall at its Campus IV in Saentis Village, Deli Serdang.
“On this occasion, we would also like to invite you, Mr. Rector, to visit the construction site and join us in planting a durian tree as a symbolic gesture,” he said.
In response, USU Rector Prof. Muryanto Amin welcomed UMSU’s visit and expressed his appreciation for the university’s rapid progress while reaffirming USU’s commitment to strengthening collaboration.
“Thank you for coming, and congratulations to UMSU for its continued achievements,” he remarked.
Regarding the acceleration policy, Prof. Muryanto emphasized that USU, as the appointed mentoring university, is committed to following up on the process.
“We just need to finalize the mechanism. Collaboration between USU and UMSU lecturers will also be part of it. Hopefully, this cooperation will continue to grow stronger,” he said.
During the meeting, Dean of USU’s Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. dr. Aldy Safruddin Rambe, Sp.S(K), expressed full support for UMSU’s plan to develop specialist programs.
“We are ready to assist, especially in opening the Specialist Medical Education (SP2) Program in Pulmonology,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dean of UMSU’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK), Dr. Siti Masliana Siregar, Sp.THT-KL (K), explained that the planned specialist programs will be aligned with UMSU’s needs and human resource capacity.
“We have selected surgery and pulmonology. We will not overextend ourselves; the programs will be based on the human resources available at UMSU,” she noted.
This meeting is expected to mark the beginning of stronger synergy between the two universities in education, research, and community service, particularly in improving the quality of medical education in North Sumatra.
Also present were UMSU Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, FKIK UMSU Vice Dean I, Dr. dr. Nurfadly, M.KT, and other officials, along with the Head of UMSU’s General and Public Relations Bureau. From USU, Vice Rector III, Prof. Dr. Apt. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., and other academic leaders also attended.
