UNDIP, Semarang (27/3) – The Faculty of Medicine of Universitas Diponegoro (FK UNDIP) hosted an international guest lecture titled “Public Health Foundations: Families, System, and Society” on Wednesday, March 26, 2026. Held in a hybrid format at the Smart Class of the Mayjen dr. R. Soewondo Sastrodiprojo Building in Tembalang, the event featured experts from Japan discussing the ongoing global epidemiological transition.
The event highlighted the importance of adapting medical approaches amid the increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The Head of the Medical Study Program at FK UNDIP, dr. Santoso, M.Si.Med., Sp.N emphasized that medical students today must be able to adapt to the shift in health paradigms from conventional clinical approaches toward community-based healthcare.
“We invited experts from Tottori University and Kagoshima University to share their experiences in family medicine and lifestyle diseases. We hope students will gain a comprehensive understanding of these issues, ranging from patient-centered and family-centered approaches to community-centered healthcare services,” said dr. Santoso.
The lecture featured four distinguished experts who explored public health from different perspectives:
- Daisuke Son, MD, Ph.D. presented a humanistic perspective on public health, covering issues from the family level to society at large.
- Shiron Tanoue, MD, Ph.D. provided insights into Japan’s efforts to increase life expectancy and improve quality of life through healthier lifestyle practices.
- Chihaya Koriyama, MD, Ph.D. discussed Japan’s public health system and the challenges it may face in the future.
- Ani Margawati, M.Kes., Ph.D. complemented the discussion with an anthropological perspective on the nutritional challenges currently faced by Indonesian society.
The Chair of the Organizing Committee, dr. Ari Budi Himawan, M.Kes.(Epid)., Sp.D.V.E., explained that the guest lecture was part of the 3rd Series of the Summer Course in Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, organized by the Public Health Study Program of FK UNDIP in close collaboration with Tottori University and Kagoshima University.
“In addition to strengthening institutional partnerships, we also invited international students to observe firsthand the community medicine and preventive healthcare activities conducted by FK UNDIP,” explained dr. Ari.
The event, which featured interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions, is expected to broaden students’ academic perspectives and further strengthen FK UNDIP’s position in international medical education. (Public Communication/UNDIP/FK Public Relations)
Source: Official Website of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro