FK-KMK UGM. On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the atmosphere in the Auditorium of the Tahir Graduate Building at FK-KMK UGM was filled with the enthusiasm and excitement of the new Doctoral (Ph.D.) students of the 2024 cohort. Donning a variety of traditional regional attire, 58 students from various parts of the archipelago gathered to embark on the highest academic journey. This event marked a precious moment as the beginning of the long journey these future doctors will undertake in the field of health.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from the Head of the Doctoral Program, Prof. dr. Adi Utarini, MSc, MPH, Ph.D., who expressed her appreciation and pride for the new students who chose to pursue the highest level of education at FK-KMK UGM. “A Ph.D. is the highest level of study, and it is a good decision. We are grateful for that and motivated to enhance our services and the quality of education,” she stated. Prof. Uut, as she is affectionately known, also advised, “Don’t be a sprinter, be a marathon runner with sustainable spirit and pace.”
Meanwhile, dr. Ahmad Hamim Sadewa, Ph.D., representing the Dean of FK-KMK UGM, emphasized the hope that the Ph.D. graduates would become independent leaders and serve as agents of change in society. “Upon completing the Ph.D. program, it is expected that you will become independent individuals who can act as leaders in laboratories, departments, institutions, and as agents of change in the community,” he remarked.
The event then continued with sessions focused on education and academic administration. The Head and Deputy Head of the Program, Prof. dr. Adi Utarini and Dr. Fitri Haryanti, S.Kp., M.Kes., provided a comprehensive guide on the education structure, administrative procedures, and the use of the Ph.D. program’s website, which serves as the primary portal for students to access academic information.
Additionally, Prof. Dra. RA. Yayi Suryo Prabandari, M.Si., Ph.D., Chair of the Academic Standards Committee, delivered an in-depth presentation on the importance of maintaining academic integrity throughout the doctoral studies. Equally important, Prof. dr. Mohammad Hakimi, Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., presented a session titled “How to Get a PhD (Successfully and Timely).” The final session was led by Prof. Dr. dr. Sutaryo, Sp.A(K), who invited the students to understand and internalize the UGM values that form the foundation of their education at Universitas Gadjah Mada.
The event concluded with introductions and greetings from the management and secretariat team who will be at the forefront in supporting the students’ academic journey. Great hopes are placed on this new cohort, with the expectation that they will complete their studies on time and become doctors who can make a real contribution to the health sector in Indonesia. “May what starts on time, end on time,” Prof. Uut concluded, encouraging all the students present. (Assyifa/Reporter).
