FK-KMK UGM – The Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a benchmarking visit to the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) at UGM. The event took place at the Tahir Foundation Postgraduate Building.
This benchmarking visit aimed to enhance the development and skills of laboratory technicians in preclinical and skills labs at FKG. Additionally, discussions covered various aspects of laboratory management, including the management of preclinical and skills labs, laboratory design at FK-KMK, and laboratory arrangement at FK-KMK.
In the discussion, Drg. Ivan Arie Wahyudi, M.Kes., Ph.D., Head of the Preclinical and Skills Lab at FKG UGM, stated that FKG already has the BLC building to support academic and research activities. However, several challenges such as the need for larger practical rooms and waste management still need to be addressed. “FKG greatly appreciates the guidance and assistance from FK-KMK in practical operations. In the future, we will prepare ourselves to operate more independently,” he said.
dr. Ahmad Hamim Sadewa, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at FK-KMK UGM, highlighted the importance of optimizing laboratory equipment and the competence of the personnel behind it. “Equipment is indeed important, but what’s more important are the people behind it. They must have ideas to develop relevant research and education so that the existing facilities can be optimized,” he said. Dr. Hamim also emphasized the importance of synergy between the two faculties to enhance access and utility of equipment and to encourage joint research.
This visit is expected to provide new insights for FKG in improving the quality of their laboratories, in terms of management, waste disposal, and accreditation. The benchmarking visit is hoped to yield various positive outcomes, including the potential for collaboration in the form of joint research proposals and increased access to equipment between faculties. “We hope that there will be positive outcomes, especially in terms of sharing knowledge related to laboratory equipment, management, waste disposal, equipment maintenance, accreditation, and so on,” added Dr. Hamim.
This benchmarking visit aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the fourth goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. By enhancing the skills of laboratory technicians and optimizing laboratory management, both faculties contribute to creating a better educational environment and supporting high-quality research. Additionally, proper waste management efforts support the third goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Thus, this collaboration not only enhances the capacity of educational institutions but also contributes to the health and well-being of the broader community. (Assyifa/Reporter).
