Medan – The Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU) has further strengthened its international academic network through the signing of an Implementation Arrangement (IA) with Iwate Medical University on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the 4th Floor Hall of FK USU. This agreement marks a strategic step toward enhancing collaboration in education, research, and internationalization between the two institutions.
The Implementation Arrangement was signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Dr. dr. Muara Panusunan Lubis, M.Ked(OG), Sp.OG, Subsp.K.Fm., represented by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Prof. Dr. dr. Dina Keumala Sari, M.Gizi, Sp.GK, Subsp.PK, together with Naoto Kimura, Director of Nansho Hospital and representative of Iwate Medical University.
Dr. dr. Muara Panusunan Lubis explained that the collaboration originated from an International Guest Lecture that brought together academics and healthcare practitioners from Japan to share experiences and the latest developments in medical science. According to him, this academic interaction became an important milestone in building mutual trust and commitment to developing broader and more sustainable cooperation.
"This collaboration began with a guest lecture that provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and academic experiences between the two institutions. Through this activity, we recognized a shared vision in the development of medical education and healthcare services. Therefore, the signing of this Implementation Arrangement serves as an initial step toward strengthening more comprehensive collaboration in the future, covering education, research, and community service," he stated.
Furthermore, this partnership is expected to create opportunities for FK USU lecturers and students to participate in various international activities, including academic exchanges, collaborative research, joint scientific publications, and human resource capacity development in the healthcare sector. Through these initiatives, the collaboration is expected to enhance the quality of FK USU graduates and strengthen the contributions of both institutions in addressing global health challenges.
As a gesture of appreciation, the event concluded with the presentation of a traditional North Sumatran ulos cloth to Naoto Kimura. The souvenir was presented directly by Prof. Dr. dr. Dina Keumala Sari, M.Gizi, Sp.GK, Subsp.PK, together with Dr. dr. Steven Tandean, a faculty member of the Department of Neurosurgery at FK USU. The event ended with a group photo session, symbolizing the establishment of an academic partnership that is expected to continue growing and delivering benefits to both institutions.