Medan, 11 July 2026 – The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), once again demonstrated its commitment to improving public health literacy through the Gut Health Seminar 2026, themed "Healthy Gut, Brighter Future." Held as part of the faculty's 74th Anniversary celebration, the seminar was organized in collaboration with the Amway Peduli Foundation. The event featured Prof. Dr. dr. Dina Keumala Sari, M.Gizi, Sp.GK, Subsp.PK, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization of FK USU, who also serves as Professor of Clinical Nutrition at Universitas Sumatera Utara, alongside Dr. Joshua Asley, Sp.GK, a Clinical Nutrition Specialist and lifelong learner. The seminar brought together academics, healthcare professionals, students, and members of the public to deepen their understanding of digestive health as a cornerstone of overall well-being.

The seminar was officially opened by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization of FK USU, Prof. Dr. dr. Dina Keumala Sari, M.Gizi, Sp.GK, Subsp.PK, representing the Dean of FK USU.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Dina emphasized that the seminar reflects FK USU's ongoing commitment to organizing scientific activities that provide tangible benefits for improving public health while supporting the advancement of medical education.

"Digestive health is a fundamental pillar of human well-being. Through the Gut Health Seminar 2026, FK USU seeks to strengthen collaboration among academia, social organizations, and healthcare professionals in disseminating evidence-based health education to the community. Such synergy is essential for building a healthier society while preparing future medical graduates to address emerging healthcare challenges," said Prof. Dina Keumala.

She further noted that the faculty's anniversary is not merely a celebration of its institutional journey, but also an opportunity to reflect on and reinforce the Faculty of Medicine's role in fulfilling the three pillars of higher education through education, research, healthcare services, and community engagement.

Under the theme "Healthy Gut, Brighter Future," the seminar highlighted the importance of maintaining digestive health through balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyle practices, and the application of the latest scientific knowledge in preventive and promotive healthcare. The speakers explained that gut health extends beyond the digestive system, influencing nutritional status, immune function, metabolism, and overall health.

The seminar also provided participants with valuable scientific insights into the relationship between nutrition, the gut microbiota, and the prevention of various diseases. The interactive discussions were expected to encourage greater public awareness of the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits from an early age.

The Gut Health Seminar 2026 aligns with the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara's commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting balanced nutrition to support digestive health; SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by improving health literacy and encouraging preventive healthcare; SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing scientific seminars as lifelong learning opportunities for students, healthcare professionals, and the public; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting healthy and responsible dietary practices; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between FK USU, the Amway Peduli Foundation, academics, and healthcare professionals to build a healthier and more sustainable society.

Through this initiative, FK USU hopes to encourage greater public awareness of the importance of maintaining digestive health as an integral part of improving overall quality of life, while reinforcing the university's role as a center of education, research, and community service that contributes meaningfully to the advancement of healthcare in Indonesia.