UNAIR NEWS – Medical students from
Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Rizal
Rachbini Mahlevi and Safina Talitha Laksmi
Bintarti, participated in a student outbound
program as part of the KKN Penyetaraan
program at the Università degli Studi di
Verona, Italy. Through the program, they
gained opportunities to broaden their clinical
experience through observations in
neurosurgery.
The program took place in July 2026 at
Ospedale Borgo Trento, a teaching hospital
affiliated with the University of Verona. It
used experiential learning through clinical
rotations and clinical observations. The two
students also gained insight into the
integration of medical education and
healthcare services in Italy.
Deepening knowledge in neurosurgery
Mahlevi explained that he chose the
neurosurgery department, particularly
neuroendoscopy, to strengthen his clinical
competencies and gain a deeper
understanding of this complex medical
specialty.
“The decision to join the neurosurgery
department was driven by the need to
strengthen our clinical competencies and
deepen our understanding of this complex
specialty. In particular, minimally invasive
neurosurgical procedures such as
neuroendoscopy remain an area that needs
further development in Indonesia,” he
explained.
During the program, the students took part in
ward rounds, clinical case discussions, and
observations of medical procedures. They
were also exposed to modern medical
technologies, including the use of the Da
Vinci Xi robotic system in surgical
procedures.
Learning from Italy’s clinical system
According to Mahlevi, the learning experience in Italy was more systematic and efficient. The use of technology in medical procedures also provided new perspectives on the development of surgical care.
“This experience provided significant benefits, particularly in enhancing our critical thinking and communication skills, strengthening our ability to adapt to a multicultural environment, and broadening our global perspective on medicine,” he said.
He hopes the experience will serve as a foundation for advancing minimally invasive surgical procedures in Indonesia. He also hopes that more Indonesian doctors will have opportunities to learn about modern surgical techniques.
In closing, Mahlevi encouraged other students to remain curious when learning new things. “Keep your curiosity alive, and do not spend an opportunity to study abroad simply by following the system. In Italy and other European countries, people are very open when we actively ask questions and show curiosity,” he concluded.
Author: Maulya Afifah Zahra
Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia
