The rapid pace of change in today’s world demands that higher education institutions be both proactive and responsive, with no exception for veterinary science. As part of its commitment, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKH UGM) held a Curriculum Redesign Workshop for the Veterinary Medicine Undergraduate Program and the Professional Veterinary Education Program at FKH UGM Auditorium on Tuesday, Jun. 10, 2025.
The event served as both a reflective and strategic space for the academic community to realign educational directions with global, national, and professional demands.
The redesigned curriculum is expected to produce not only veterinarians with scientific competence but also those equipped to navigate professional dynamics across sectors with integrity and a high degree of skill.
Dean of FKH UGM, Professor Teguh Budipitojo, emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in formulating a competitive curriculum.
He noted that an ideal curriculum is one that evolves in tandem with advancements in science and technology.
With that spirit, the curriculum renewal process will not stop at this forum but will continue through sustained dialogue and collaborative efforts.
“This curriculum redesign is not solely the responsibility of lecturers but a shared duty to produce veterinarians who are attuned to the needs of society, industry, and global dynamics,” he asserted.
The workshop brought together various external stakeholders to evaluate and provide input on the current curriculum.
These stakeholders included representatives from the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, clinical practices, research institutions, government agencies, and professional organizations.
Their involvement is essential, as they are the primary end users of FKH UGM graduates.
Their perspectives are expected to broaden horizons and enrich the curriculum development process.
Dr. Hasbullah, a practitioner in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, highlighted the crucial role of veterinarians as technical supervisors for animal medicines to ensure quality and safety in the field.
He emphasized the importance of integrating regulations, pharmacotherapy, and precautionary principles into veterinary education for drug distribution.
He also emphasized the need for cross-sectoral collaboration among veterinarians, pharmacists, and veterinary paramedics in ensuring the quality of medications.
“Veterinarians are the frontline guardians of drug quality in the field. Without competence in this area, consumer safety and professional integrity are at risk,” he explained.
From the research sector, Dr. Harimurti Nuradji, Head of the Veterinary Research Center at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), pointed out that one of the primary challenges for FKH UGM graduates lies in their collaborative capacity and scientific communication skills.
Dr. Nuradji observed that graduates’ laboratory and analytical capabilities still need enhancement to meet the needs of One Health-based research.
Therefore, research should not merely be introduced as a final assignment but instilled as a mindset from the early stages of learning.
“Students need to be trained in critical thinking, openness to interdisciplinary collaboration, and the ability to address societal needs through scientific approaches,” Dr. Nuradji stated.
Further insight came from Radhiyan Fadiar Sahistya, a veterinarian and small animal clinical practitioner, who highlighted the gap between academic content and real-world needs.
The pet care industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with increasingly complex medical needs for companion and exotic animals.
He advocated for technology-based learning, extended field practice durations, and the strengthening of soft skills such as communication, leadership, and public speaking for future veterinarians.
“Today’s clients are smart and critical, while some veterinarians are still unprepared. This gap must be addressed,” he remarked.
Equally critical were observations from the poultry industry, which noted a lack of interest among FKH UGM graduates in this sector.
Several industry representatives noted that graduates are less adaptable, lack strong character, and are less competitive compared to graduates from other veterinary faculties, such as those at Universitas Brawijaya and Universitas Airlangga.
They recommended early exposure to the dynamics of the poultry industry, including chicken farming management, which plays a crucial role in population health.
“The poultry industry offers numerous career opportunities, from technical services and vaccine production to poultry research,” said one evaluator.
In response to the various inputs, the workshop’s organizing and facilitation team formulated several key recommendations.
These included updating course content to align with industry trends, requiring a minimum of two months of field practice, and developing new courses focused on leadership and veterinary entrepreneurship.
Additionally, FKH UGM is encouraged to expand its network with the job market and to invite successful alumni to serve as inspirational speakers.
These recommendations are not merely a wish list but form a roadmap for producing resilient and relevant graduates.
The workshop concluded with optimism and a spirit of collaboration among all participants, both internal and external.
The redesign process serves as evidence of FKH UGM’s openness to criticism and its willingness to take concrete steps toward improvement.
The new curriculum being developed is not just a response to evaluation but a profound reflection on the scientific values and social responsibilities of the veterinary profession.
As such, future graduates of FKH UGM are expected not only to be job-ready but also to contribute meaningfully and lead change.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna