Medicine and Pharmacy Summer Course Program
Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Ciputra
Medicine and Pharmacy are broad, dynamic, and constantly evolving fields of knowledge. Their development is shaped not only by scientific discoveries and technological advancements, but also by cultural traditions, social values, economic structures, and the continuously expanding understanding of human biology and disease. In real-world clinical practice, healthcare decision-making extends beyond textbooks and guidelines; it is deeply influenced by regional healthcare disparities, cultural beliefs, socioeconomic conditions, health insurance systems, resource availability, geographical challenges, and other contextual determinants of health.
The Medicine and Pharmacy Summer Course Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Ciputra is designed to provide international participants with a comprehensive and authentic insight into clinical practice within the Indonesian healthcare system. Through this program, participants are immersed in a real clinical environment at Surabaya’s main regional general hospital, where they can observe how medical and pharmaceutical care is delivered to a diverse patient population. This exposure allows participants to understand how clinical and pharmaceutical decisions are made in daily practice, particularly in settings where resources, patient backgrounds, and healthcare infrastructures may differ significantly from those in their home countries.
The program offers a unique opportunity for participants to develop a broader global health perspective, strengthen their professional knowledge, and enhance their cross-cultural understanding of healthcare delivery. By observing clinical workflows, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered care in action, participants gain valuable insight into the complexities and realities of modern healthcare practice in a rapidly developing country.
The program is conducted over a period of two to four weeks, depending on the departments selected by participants. Throughout the program, participants are expected to engage in structured daily activities within their assigned departments, including supervised ward rounds, bedside teaching sessions, clinical discussions, seminars, and guided observations of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Occasional evening duties, extending until 9.00 p.m., may be included to provide additional exposure to continuity of care and after-hours clinical practice. While participants are permitted to observe a wide range of professional activities—including surgical and other invasive procedures—hands-on clinical practice is strictly not permitted, ensuring full compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
For international pharmacy students, the program places special emphasis on understanding the structure and implementation of the Indonesian healthcare system, particularly in relation to Clinical Pharmacy Services and Pharmacy Management. Participants will gain exposure to pharmaceutical care processes, medication therapy management, patient safety practices, interprofessional collaboration with physicians and nurses, and the regulatory and ethical frameworks governing pharmacy practice in Indonesia, in accordance with standards set by the Indonesian Ministry of Health.
Available Clinical Departments
Participants may select one or more departments, subject to availability and hospital capacity:
- Surgery
- Orthopaedics
- Internal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Emergency Medicine
- Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetics
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacy
Beyond clinical exposure, the Medicine and Pharmacy Summer Course Program also provides a rich cultural and academic experience. Participants will have opportunities to interact with local medical and pharmacy students, faculty members, and healthcare professionals, fostering meaningful academic exchange and cross-cultural dialogue. This holistic learning environment supports participants in developing not only clinical insight, but also professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability—competencies that are essential for future healthcare professionals in an increasingly globalized world.
Overall, the Medicine and Pharmacy Summer Course Program is a structured, observational, and culturally immersive educational experience designed for medical and pharmacy students who seek to expand their clinical horizons, deepen their understanding of global healthcare systems, and gain valuable international exposure that will enrich their academic and professional development.