UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) promoted interdisciplinary collaboration to understand historical development and future of medicine through the International Conference on the History of Medicine in Indonesia (HOMI). Brought the theme of “Crossroads of Healing: Indonesia in Global Medical Networks”, this conference gathered researchers, academics, and participants to discuss the relation between history, culture, and medical science.
This international conference featuring a Professor of History and Philosophy of Science from University of Sydney, Hans Pols, was officially opened by UNAIR Rector, Prof Dr Muhammad Madyan SE MSi MFin. Also in attendance were the Dean of Faculty of Humanities (FIB), Syahrur Marta Dwi Susilo; the Dean of Faculty of Medicine (FK), Prof Dr dr Eighty Mardiyan Kurniawati SpOG Subsp Urogin-RE; the Head of the History Department, Johny Alfian Khusyairi SS MA.
UNAIR Rector, Prof Madyan, said that the development of health care never occurs in isolation. The evolution of medical knowledge has crossed geographical boundaries and connected various civilizations, communities, and generations.
“The theme of the conference highlighted the important understanding that the development of health care never occurs in isolation. Throughout history, medical knowledge has crossed geographical boundaries, connected civilizations, communities, and generations,” he said.
Indonesia as crossroads of medical tradition
Prof Madyan explained that Indonesia has a unique position as the crossroads of various medical traditions. According to him, the medical history of Indonesia has been shaped by the interaction between local wisdom and various global influences.
“Indonesia represents a unique crossroads of medical tradition. Our medical history has been shaped by the interaction between local wisdom and various global influences, resulting in a rich legacy of knowledge, practices, and experiences,” he explained.
He added that the understanding of the historical journey not only helps the community to respect the past, but also provides knowledge to face health issues in the present and in the future.
Prof Madyan also highlighted the growing complexity of today’s global health challenges. Issues ranging from evolving diseases and public health concerns to disparities in health care require collaboration that transcends disciplinary and national boundaries. Furthermore, he noted that bringing together perspectives from the field of medicine, humanities, history, and social science is important in developing a more comprehensive health understanding.
Strengthens academic and research network
Prof Madyan addressed HOMI as an interdisciplinary collaboration capable of opening a platform to exchange knowledge and ideas. He hoped that this conference would result in new ideas while strengthening the academic network.
“Through meaningful discussions and the exchange of knowledge, hopefully this forum would result in new ideas, strengthen academic networks, and inspire future research collaboration,” he said.
He emphasized UNAIR’s commitment in promoting international academic collaboration and supporting various initiatives that connect sciences, culture, and society. “For us, knowledge will be more meaningful if the knowledge itself contributes to the quality improvement of human’s life,” he said.
Prof Madyan also appreciated FIB History Department and FK Microbiology and Parasitology Department for their collaboration in organizing HOMI. He also appreciated all of the participants in attendance for contributing to this conference.
He hoped that HOMI could serve as a productive platform for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and broadening shared understanding on the history and future of medicine.
Author: Katara Joy Kurniawan
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
