Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing UGM hosts the Indonesian International Medical Olympiad (IMO) from 16-19 October at UGM.
There are two international teams in this event, namely Chiang Mai University Thailand and De La Salle University in the Philippines.
Vice-Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, dr. Gandes Retno Rahayu, M.Med.Ed., Ph.D., said IMO was a prestigious competition for medical students that is held by Senate Association of Indonesian Medical Students.
“There are 65 medical faculties participating from Indonesia and two from the Philippines and Thailand,” said Gandes to reporters on Wednesday (17/10) at the Faculty.
For three days, said Gandes, participants would take part in medical knowledge and skills tests. They will do three phases of selection. Those who do not make it will also take part in in seminars and talkshow. “For us the Olympiad is a medium to enhance our knowledge and skills so we can be excellent doctors in our respective countries,” she said.
IMO 2018 event chairman, Yudo Wirawan, said there would be six categories of competition to be contested. These are heart and respiratory knowledge, urinary tract and genitals, muscle and bone, digestion, nerve and mental health, and infection. “Each participant is evaluated based on their command of theories, skills, and handling of case,” he said.
According to Yudo, olympiad winners were selected based on the highest scores of participating teams. The winners are entitled for a trophy from Ministry of Health.
Supervising lecturer from Chiang Mai University, Kwanjik Duansonk, said the participation of Chiang Mai in the IMO was the first time ever. Duansonk said the competition would increase the capacity and competitiveness of the students at the global level.
“IMO is the most difficult and challenging competition because what is tested is the knowledge and skills,” said Duansonk.
Meanwhile Alex Bello, lecturer from De La Salle, said their participation in IMO was expected to expand their networking among ASEAN. “The students may get to know each other in this event,” he said.