Medan, July 30, 2026 – The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), received a visit from the Indonesian Respiratory Research and Training Foundation (Yayasan Riset dan Pelatihan Respirasi Indonesia/RPRI) for a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) held in the Dean’s Meeting Room on the second floor of FK USU.

The RPRI delegation was led by Prof. Erlina Burhan, MD, M.Sc., Ph.D., Director of the RPRI Foundation, accompanied by Prof. dr. Adang Bachtiar, M.P.H., D.Sc., and members of the foundation’s team. The delegation was welcomed by the Dean of FK USU, Dr. dr. Muara Panusunan Lubis, M.Ked(OG), Sp.OG., Subsp.K.Fm., accompanied by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Prof. Dr. dr. Dina Keumala Sari, M.Gizi., Sp.GK., Subsp.PK.; Head of the Master’s Program in Tropical Medicine, Prof. Dr. dr. Arlinda Sari Wahyuni, M.Kes., FISPH, FISCM., Sp.KKLP., Subsp. FOMC; Head of the Specialist Program in Family Medicine and Primary Care, Dr. dr. Isti Ilmiati Fujiati, M.Sc. CM-FM., M.Pd.Ked., FISPH, FISCM., Sp.KKLP., Subsp.COMC; and Secretary of the Medical Education Program, Dr. dr. Dina Arwina Dalimunthe, M.Ked(KK), Sp.DVE., Subsp.D.T., FINSDV, FAADV.

During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for collaboration in conducting tuberculosis (TB) vaccine research in North Sumatra. The RPRI Foundation invited FK USU to serve as a research partner and facilitator, taking into account FK USU’s experience in education and research, as well as its established network with various teaching hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout North Sumatra.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of synergy among higher education institutions, research organizations, government agencies, and healthcare facilities in producing high-quality research that can be translated into evidence-based health policies and practices.

Interestingly, the RPRI delegation also included dr. Justika, an alumna of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, from the Class of 2014. Her involvement as part of a national research team demonstrates the contributions of FK USU graduates to the advancement of health science and research in Indonesia, while also strengthening collaborative networks between the university and its alumni.

The activity is aligned with FK USU’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through strengthening research for tuberculosis control and improving public health, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among universities, research institutions, professional organizations, and government agencies.

Through this FGD, FK USU reaffirmed its commitment to building strategic partnerships in health research. The collaboration with the RPRI Foundation is expected to serve as an initial step toward developing innovative research that can contribute to accelerating efforts to prevent and control tuberculosis.