Public Health Study Program Alumni Meeting: Synergy and Input for the 2024 Curriculum
Fikes News Online,-- The alumni meeting of the Public Health Study Program (PSKM) which took place on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 16.00-18.00 WIN became an important discussion forum for the development of education and alumni contributions to the study program. This event was attended by student representatives through the Public Health Undergraduate Program Student Association (HMPS), PSKM lecturers, vice dean 3 of FIKES UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, and alumni from various generations. Several main agendas include input on the 2024 Curriculum, strengthening alumni forums, and alumni contribution plans for the progress of PSKM.
2024 Curriculum Input: Meeting Global Needs and Field Practitioners
The 2024 Curriculum which will be implemented under the guidance of the Association of Indonesian Public Health Higher Education Institutions (AIPTKMI) became the main topic of discussion. Alumni and students provided a number of inputs related to courses that were considered important to be adjusted to global needs and challenges in the field.
Several aspects proposed to be strengthened were qualitative methods, global health, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Rifki Ridho, an alumnus of the 2016 batch from the Environmental Health major, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship as a strategic course that is still lacking in emphasis. "The potential for Public Health Bachelors (SKM) to become entrepreneurs is very large, for example in water purification innovation. However, students need to get teaching from experienced practitioners in order to understand the concrete steps to build a business," he said.
In addition, the need for practitioners in the field such as in Community Health Centers is also a concern. Competence in disaster management and nutritional status assessment is considered urgent to be taught comprehensively. These two aspects are important considering the role of SKM at the forefront of public health services in emergency situations and handling nutritional problems in the community.
Alumni Forum: Need for Structured Programs and Routine Meetings
The Public Health Alumni Association (Ikalkes) is currently the main forum for PSKM alumni. However, in the discussion it was revealed that Ikalkes does not yet have a structured work program and routine meetings to strengthen relationships between alumni. This is a challenge as well as a great opportunity to maximize the potential of alumni in supporting the development of PSKM.
One of the recommendations that emerged was the formation of a strategic work program involving alumni across generations. These programs can include strengthening professional networks, training, and research collaborations. "With a clear structure and routine meetings, alumni can be more organized to make real contributions," said one of the discussion participants.
Alumni Contribution Plan: Supporting PSKM through Relays and Sustainable Programs
The alumni's commitment to supporting PSKM is beyond doubt. In the discussion, a number of alumni contribution plans were formulated, such as involvement as resource persons in webinars or professional seminars, providing scholarships, and Single Tuition Fee (UKT) assistance for final year students.
Alumni also proposed a graduation relay program, where each alumni class takes turns providing motivation and direction to newly graduated students. This is expected to be an inspiration for new graduates in pursuing a career in public health.
However, several alumni emphasized the importance of establishing a legal entity for Ikalkes. This step is considered essential so that the alumni forum has a formal standing that allows for more professional management of funds and programs.
Welcoming the 2024 Curriculum and the Role of Alumni
This meeting showed great enthusiasm from students, lecturers, and alumni in welcoming the implementation of the 2024 Curriculum. This curriculum is expected to not only produce graduates who are academically competent, but also able to face global and local challenges.
Support from alumni is also a key element. With the contribution of experience, networks, and real assistance, PSKM can continue to develop into an excellent public health education institution.
This meeting ended with a joint commitment to follow up on the results of the discussion, including forming a work team to realize the programs that have been agreed upon. This spirit of collaboration is real evidence that alumni, students, and lecturers have the same vision: creating a positive impact on society through quality public health education. (RC/ZR)