Agromedicine – Failing to join a student exchange program twice did not discourage Valentinus Dave Sugiharto, affectionately known as Dave. This professional medical student from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jember, ultimately realized his dream through the prestigious DAAD PACE-UP (PAN ASEAN Coalition for Epidemic and Outbreak Preparedness) exchange program. The program provides opportunities for medical students to conduct research abroad and gain experience as clinical students in Africa.
Dave expressed deep gratitude for being able to participate in this program, especially after his previous attempts were hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the program, he was directly supervised by Prof. Dr. Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan, the head of the DAAD project and a professor at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen. Over the course of four months, Dave had the opportunity to deepen his knowledge in internal medicine, particularly in Hepatitis B cases in Indonesia. His research focused on identifying Occult Hepatitis B (OBI), a hidden form of Hepatitis B that is suspected to still circulate in blood banks. This research is expected to contribute new findings and breakthroughs in the study of Hepatitis B in Indonesia. As a medical student, Dave also learned advanced laboratory techniques such as Nested PCR, DNA extraction, and other methods that are not commonly studied by most medical students.
One unforgettable experience, Dave shared, was the opportunity to present at the university’s Journal Club. He received appreciation from his supervisor for the perspective he brought in reviewing and explaining the selected journal. The professional, open, and academic working environment strongly supported the success of the program. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I am truly grateful for, as I had the opportunity to work with outstanding individuals at a world-class institute. This experience has shaped my confidence that I will become a different kind of doctor in the future, enriched by everything I have learned,” Dave stated.
Not stopping in Germany, Dave continued with a two-month follow-up program in Zambia, Africa. During this program, he gained hands-on experience as a young doctor, directly interacting with patients and managing cases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other conditions that are rarely encountered in Indonesia. These programs are part of an ongoing collaboration between the University of Jember, the University of Tübingen in Germany, and the University Teaching Hospital in Zambia. The collaboration is expected to continue, producing outstanding students and internationally recognized research.
“The prayers of my beloved parents, the guidance of my supervisors, the support of my friends, and the comprehensive environment provided by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jember, have made this opportunity possible. I am grateful, I have learned so much, and I will never stop learning and growing,” Dave shared when asked about his feelings at the end of the program. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jember, for its strong commitment to collaboration and for providing opportunities for student development. This program stands as clear evidence that students of the University of Jember can actively participate in international programs. It is hoped that more students will continue to grow through various programs and opportunities available at the University of Jember, contributing to a better Indonesia.
Author: SR
