UNAIR Medical Students Represent Indonesia at the 2024 Asian Society for Vascular Surgery Congress
Two medical students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Aanisah Diyaa Mustika Fitri and Willandra Fitriyanri Ghaniyya, represented Indonesia at the 25th Congress of the Asian Society for Vascular Surgery and the 19th Asian Venous Forum, which was held from December 3 to December 6, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. They were part of a five-member delegation representing Indonesia at this prominent event.
Community Health Initiative
Their participation was linked to a community health initiative undertaken in Natuna, Riau Islands, where they conducted health screenings for local residents. The screenings identified a significant prevalence of vascular diseases, which served as the foundation for their research.
Health Challenges in Natuna
Fitri highlighted the health challenges faced by locals, stating that many individuals in Natuna are affected by hypertension, high cholesterol, and conditions associated with elevated uric acid levels. The students’ research focused on assessing the impact of seafood consumption on the vascular health of Natuna residents. Their findings suggested a connection between excessive seafood intake and potential vascular issues, alongside identifying treatment gaps for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition that can escalate to serious complications such as ischemia.
Research Presentations
During the congress, Ghaniyya presented her research titled “Unveiling Hidden Risks: How Daily Seafood Consumption Affects Vascular Health in Indonesia’s Remote Natuna Island.” Fitri also presented her findings on “Progression of Peripheral Artery Disease to Limb Ischemia: Key Risk Factors, Treatment Gaps, and Strategies to Prevent Amputation.”
Experience at the Congress
Ghaniyya described the experience as both challenging and insightful, noting that they were the only undergraduate participants among established professionals. She reported that the feedback from panelists was overwhelmingly positive and emphasized the novelty of their research, stating that no prior studies had examined the link between seafood consumption and vascular health in Natuna. The event also provided opportunities to engage with leading physicians and expand professional networks.
Bakti Ujung Utara Initiative
In addition to their research activities, Fitri and Ghaniyya co-founded Bakti Ujung Utara, a community service initiative focused on outreach in remote regions of Indonesia, including Natuna. This program encompasses projects in health, education, environmental conservation, and economic development in collaboration with the Natuna regional government. Ghaniyya underscored the initiative’s goal of establishing a sustainable community service model that addresses education and environmental issues alongside healthcare.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the students intend to expand their research and community service initiatives, planning to conduct annual outreach programs and pursue further specialized research in the future.
Author: Syaharani Putri Aisyah
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
(Source: https://unair.ac.id/en/unair-medical-students-represent-indonesia-at-asvs-2024/)
