Faculty Visit to Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia

Jun 4, 2025

As part of the Global Partnerships for Education and Care (GPEC) initiative, a delegation from the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, visited Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia, on 26th and 27th May 2025. The team comprised of Professor and Head of the Department of Dermatology Dr. Jacintha Martis, Dr. Rochelle Monteiro, Professor and Dr. Prajna Shetty and Dr. Sonal Fernandes Senior Residents. The visit aimed to foster academic exchange, collaborative learning, and cross-cultural engagement between the two institutions.

On Monday, 26th May 2025, the proceedings commenced at 8:00 am at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetics, RSSA, Malang. The academic schedule opened with a case report presentation by resident dr. Dedy Budi Kurniawan, M.Biomed who discussed a complex case of Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome secondary to Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in a patient with chronic kidney disease. This was followed by an interactive discussion session, providing an opportunity for clinical reasoning and shared learning among the participating dermatology faculty and trainees.

The Official Opening Ceremony was held at RSSA, followed by the formal inaugural session which began with a prayer and the rendition of the Indonesian national anthem. The Master of Ceremonies, dr. Astrid Amanda, introduced the session, after which Dr. dr. Dhelya Widasmara, Sp.DVE, Subsp. DT, MMRS delivered a report as the Chair of the Organizing Committee. The Director of RSSA, represented by Dr. dr. Fauzan Adima,M.Kes, FISQUA, M.A.R.S addressed the gathering and presented the institution’s profile along with its future directions. Subsequently, dr. Lita Setyowatie, Sp.DVE, Subsp. Ven, Head of the Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetic Department at RSSA, elaborated on the department’s activities, achievements, and services.

Representing Father Muller Medical College, Dr. Prajna Shetty and Dr. Sonal Fernandes presented the departmental profile, highlighting academic milestones, training programs, research initiatives, and community outreach activities. As part of this session, an institutional video from Father Muller Charitable Institutions was also screened, providing a visual showcase of the institution’s infrastructure, clinical facilities, and educational environment.

The morning session concluded with a guided hospital and polyclinic tour, alongside the observation of a Xanthelasma excision procedure, offering valuable insights into the clinical practices and procedural dermatology facilities at RSSA.

The afternoon schedule transitioned to Universitas Brawijaya, where a formal meeting and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony took place. The session commenced with an opening address by dr. Astrid Amanda, followed by remarks from Prof. Dr. dr. Wisnu Barlianto, M.Si.Med, Sp.A(K), Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The visiting faculty from Father Muller Medical College delivered an introduction to their institution and department, setting the stage for the MoU signing, facilitated by dr. Happy Karina Permatasar, Ph.D, Head of the International Relations Office. It was formally acknowledged that an initial MoU establishing academic cooperation between Universitas Brawijaya and Father Muller Medical College had been executed on 5th December 2023. In continuation of this partnership, and with the objective of further consolidating collaborative academic and clinical initiatives, a renewed MoU was ceremoniously signed on 26th May 2025.The event concluded with group photographs and closing remarks, symbolizing the formalization of collaborative academic ties between the institutions.

The second day commenced at Universitas Brawijaya with an Opening Ceremony, featuring introductory remarks by dr. Happy Karina Permatasari, Ph.D, Head of the International Relations Office, setting a scholarly tone for the day’s proceedings. This was followed by a series of Guest Lectures, delivered to an audience comprising 224 participants, including faculty members, residents, and undergraduate medical students. Dr. Rochelle Monteiro from Father Muller Medical College delivered an engaging talk on “Exosomes”, shedding light on their role in dermatological therapeutics and regenerative medicine. Dr. Jacintha Martis provided an insightful overview of Hansen’s Disease, discussing diagnostic challenges, management protocols, and stigma-related concerns in endemic regions. The academic sessions continued with a lecture by Dr. dr. Arif Widiatmoko, Sp.DVE, Subsp. O.B.Kon Mohs Micrographic Surgery, followed by an interactive discussion moderated by dr. IntanWasaputri, Sp DVE.

The day concluded with a Closing Ceremony, presentation of commemorative plaques, and a Campus Tour led by Dr. dr. Dhelya Widasmara, Sp.DVE, Subsp. DT, MMRS, showcasing the academic and clinical infrastructure of Universitas Brawijaya.

This visit proved to be an excellent platform for knowledge sharing and professional growth. It significantly enhanced the visiting faculty’s understanding of global dermatological practices and opened avenues for long-term academic collaboration between the institutions. The hospitality extended by the Indonesian hosts was exceptional, and the seamless organization of the programme reflected their unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The participating residents gained valuable clinical and surgical insights, and the overall experience reaffirmed the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Father Muller Medical College’s commitment to excellence in education, clinical training, and international engagement.

We sincerely thank the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) for this initiative, and express our gratitude to the management of Father Muller Charitable Institutions and Brawijaya University for facilitating this visit, as well as for their support and cooperation. We also thank the faculty and trainees of both Dermatology Departments.