Medan, August 8, 2026 — The Medical Doctor Professional Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), held a Pre-Internship Seminar for students enrolled in the Medical Doctor Professional Study Program on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Held at the fourth-floor auditorium of FK USU, the seminar served as a preparatory program for future doctors before entering their internship period, featuring a range of topics relevant to the challenges of medical practice in the field.
The seminar featured several speakers with expertise and professional experience in various areas. Topics included The Role of Professional Organizations in Medical Internship Practice, Government Support for Medical Internship Programs, Neurovascular Emergencies, Patient Transport to Secondary or Tertiary Hospitals, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), and Preventing Burnout During Internship and Managing Interpersonal Relationships in High-Stress Environments. The activity supports SDG 4: Quality Education by providing additional learning opportunities that strengthen the readiness, competence, and professionalism of future doctors before they enter the healthcare workplace.
The seminar opened with remarks from the Dean of FK USU, Dr. dr. Muara Panusunan Lubis, M.Ked(OG), Sp.OG, Subsp.K.Fm. In his remarks, the Dean emphasized that the internship period is a crucial stage for doctors to apply the knowledge and competencies gained during their education to real-world healthcare practice.
“The internship period is an opportunity for young doctors to develop their competencies while building their character as professional physicians. Clinical skills are not the only qualities required; communication, ethics, teamwork, and a commitment to patient safety are equally important. I hope all participants will make the most of this preparatory program and use the knowledge gained as a foundation for facing the various challenges they may encounter during their internship,” said Dr. dr. Muara Panusunan Lubis.
Patient safety and quality of care were key areas of focus throughout the seminar, particularly through discussions on neurovascular emergencies, patient transportation, and infection prevention and control. These areas of knowledge are expected to help future doctors make appropriate clinical decisions and provide safe healthcare services in accordance with professional standards. This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as strengthening the competencies of healthcare professionals directly contributes to the quality and safety of healthcare services.
Beyond clinical competencies, the seminar also addressed mental well-being and interpersonal relationships during the internship period. Sessions on preventing burnout and managing interpersonal relationships in high-stress work environments provided important preparation for future doctors to maintain a healthy balance between their professional responsibilities and personal well-being. This also supports SDG 3, particularly by promoting the health and well-being of healthcare professionals as an essential component of a healthy working environment.
Discussions on the role of professional organizations and government support in the implementation of medical internships further highlighted the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in preparing competent healthcare professionals. This collaborative approach aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships among educational institutions, government bodies, professional organizations, and other stakeholders.
Through the Pre-Internship Seminar, FK USU continues to strengthen its commitment to developing competent, professional, ethical, and resilient doctors who prioritize patient safety and needs and are prepared to make meaningful contributions to improving public health.