The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), has once again achieved recognition on the international stage. Dr. dr. Steven Tandean, M.Ked(Neurosurg), SpBS., a faculty member of the Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, USU, was appointed as an international workshop instructor and invited speaker at the 15th Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons (ACNS) 2026, held from July 30 to August 2, 2026, at The St. Regis Mumbai, India.

This appointment is a notable achievement, as Dr. dr. Steven was the only instructor from Indonesia participating in this prestigious scientific event, which brought together neurosurgical experts from across Asia and around the world. On this occasion, he delivered a scientific presentation entitled “Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (ICAD): Current Issues and Controversies,” discussing recent developments, challenges, and various controversies in the management of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (ICAD), one of the major causes of ischemic stroke. The presentation provided a platform for scientific discussion, allowing participants to exchange experiences and broaden their knowledge of evidence-based clinical practices in neurosurgery.

Dr. dr. Steven Tandean’s participation as an instructor and speaker not only strengthens the reputation of FK USU at the global level but also supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education through knowledge transfer, capacity building for healthcare professionals, and the advancement of medical education based on international standards. His involvement as a workshop instructor also reflects FK USU’s commitment to encouraging faculty members to actively contribute to international scientific forums.

Furthermore, active participation in ACNS 2026 strengthens the implementation of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering academic networks and international collaboration between FK USU and the global neurosurgical community. These collaborations are expected to create opportunities for cooperation in education, research, and healthcare service innovation, contributing to the advancement of medical science and healthcare in Indonesia.