“The cooperation of clinical observation for 2 weeks, which was attended by 3 representatives from the Department of Cardiovascular FK USU, is a form of cooperation in the field of medical education.”

HUMAS USU - The Department of Cardiovascular, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU) sent representatives to carry out a series of clinical observation programs at the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS). This activity was held for 2 weeks and took place from Monday (08/01/2024) to Friday (19/01/2024).

NHCS has been hosting a series of exciting Clinical Observership programs, providing valuable opportunities for medical professionals from around the world to expand their knowledge in the field of heart disease.

As one of the largest heart health centers in Asia, NHCS has state-of-the-art facilities and an experienced medical team focused on the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Clinical Observership at NHCS is not just about enhancing clinical knowledge, but also about understanding a holistic approach to patients with cardiovascular disease.

Three doctors went to Singapore on Clinical Observership in different divisions. dr. Yuke Sarastri, M.Ked(Cardio), SpJP, who joined the Heart Failure division, partnered with Dr. Ng Choon Ta. Meanwhile, dr. Abdul Halim Raynaldo, M.Ked(Cardio), SpJP(K), joined the Cardiac Rehabilitation division led by A/Prof Tan Swee Yaw. Lastly, dr. Tengku Winda Ardini, M.Ked(Cardio), SpJP(K), underwent her clinical experience in the Echocardiography division led by Dr. Jeffrey Lau.

Dr. Yuke Sarastri, M.Ked(Cardio), SpJP, shared her experience, “During my Clinical Observership at NHCS, I have been involved in rounds with the heart failure staff team and observed the outpatient clinic. I was very fortunate to be able to follow medical procedures such as Right Heart Catheterization and Endomyocardial Biopsy and was also able to see the implantation of a Right Ventricular Assist Device in an advanced heart failure patient who had already received a Left Ventricular Assist Device, which is a rare case so I felt very lucky to get it. This experience broadened my knowledge in cardiology.”

On the other hand, Dr. Abdul Halim Raynaldo, M.Ked(Cardio), SpJP(K) has been involved in the management of cardiac rehabilitation patients under the guidance of A/Prof Tan Swee Yaw. The cardiac rehabilitation program at NHCS has provided a deeper understanding of the importance of physical exercise for patients with heart disease.

Dr. Abdul Halim Raynaldo, M.Ked(Cardio), SpJP(K) also added, “Cardiac Rehabilitation activities begin every morning at 8am starting with exercise supervision on patients with heart disease consisting of post cardiac surgery, post coronary intervention patients, and post LVAD insertion. Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) examination provides great benefits for us, because this action has not been routinely carried out before.”

Dr. Tengku Winda Ardini, M.Ked(Cardio), SpJP(K) has observed advanced echocardiography procedures in the Echocardiography division led by Dr. Jeffrey Lau. Observing measures such as Contrast Echo and Bicycle Stress Echo provided valuable insights into the application of technology in the evaluation of heart disease.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tengku Winda Ardini, M.Ked(Cardio), SpJP(K), described her experience in the Echocardiography division, “Activities in the Echocardiography division consist of observation of advanced echocardiography procedures such as Contrast Echo, Bicycle Stress Echo, 4D Transesophageal Echo, and mentoring Interventional Echocardiography in Cath Lab and OT. I am honored to be part of the development of best practices in echocardiography.”

All three doctors have gained valuable clinical experience at NHCS; their success confirms NHCS' role as a center of excellence in the treatment of heart disease and their commitment to supporting the development of professionalism and knowledge in cardiology. It also highlights the important contribution of the Department of Heart and Vascular Diseases of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara in sending its delegates to study at NHCS.