The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), has once again achieved a remarkable milestone as its students were selected to participate in the 2026 International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) International Exchange Program. Their participation reflects the Faculty's commitment to advancing the internationalization of medical education, expanding global academic networks, and enhancing students' competencies through international learning and research experiences.
Three students from the USU Faculty of Medicine were selected for the Standing Committee on Professional Exchange (SCOPE) and Standing Committee on Research Exchange (SCORE) programs:
- Ayesha Zahira Afhamy – Standing Committee on Professional Exchange (SCOPE), OB-GYN Unit, Lublin, Poland.
- Astrid Beauty Clarissa Nasution – Standing Committee on Professional Exchange (SCOPE), OB-GYN Unit, Caen, France.
- Audi Panjaitan – Standing Committee on Research Exchange (SCORE), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The SCOPE program is an international clinical exchange initiative that provides medical students with opportunities to gain hands-on clinical training and learning experiences at teaching hospitals around the world. Meanwhile, the SCORE program enables students to participate directly in research activities at international academic institutions and research centers, thereby strengthening their scientific capabilities, critical thinking skills, and cross-border research collaboration.
The Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni, Prof. dr. Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu, M.Ked(Ped), Sp.A(K), Ph.D(CTM), expressed her appreciation for the students' outstanding achievement in representing the Faculty at the international level. "The participation of our students in this international exchange program reflects the quality, competitiveness, and strong commitment to learning demonstrated by the students of the USU Faculty of Medicine. We continuously encourage our students to take advantage of international opportunities to enrich their academic experiences, broaden their global perspectives, and establish professional networks with medical education institutions worldwide. We hope that this experience will not only contribute to the participants' personal and professional development but also be shared with the entire academic community of the Faculty, creating a positive impact on the quality of education at USU."
The international exchange program is expected to provide participants with a comprehensive learning experience through cross-cultural interactions, exposure to different healthcare systems, and immersion in an international academic environment. These experiences will serve as valuable foundations for developing professional competencies, communication skills, and leadership qualities needed in today's global landscape.
Beyond benefiting the participating students, the involvement of USU Faculty of Medicine students in the IFMSA program also contributes to strengthening the Faculty's international reputation and expanding academic collaboration with medical education institutions worldwide. This initiative aligns with the Faculty's vision of producing graduates who are academically excellent, globally competitive, and capable of contributing to the advancement of medical science and healthcare services.
The students' participation in the program also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing access to high-quality international learning experiences, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening global academic partnerships and collaboration.
The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, extends its heartfelt congratulations to all students selected for the 2026 IFMSA International Exchange Program. May this valuable opportunity mark the beginning of an inspiring journey toward advancing their knowledge, expanding their international networks, and proudly representing the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, and Indonesia on the global stage.