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Learning Directly with the Community: FKPU Students Gain Hands-On Early Exposure through Aging Well Together

On May 22, 2026, the Aging Well Together program was held at the Faculty of Medicine, President University (FKPU) as part of FKPU’s regular community engagement activities. The program aimed to raise public awareness of health, support early detection, prevent disease risk factors, and improve understanding of healthy aging among older adults. A total of 40 physicians, 12 administrative and support staff members, and 111 students served 128 participants, ensuring that every stage of the program—from registration and informed consent to health examinations and health education—was carried out smoothly according to each person’s role.

The services provided included general head-to-toe physical examinations, blood pressure measurements, blood tests (blood glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, and HbA1c), electrocardiography (ECG), spirometry, and cognitive function screening. These examinations were conducted by 111 FKPU students in accordance with the competencies they had acquired through their coursework.

To take part in the examinations, participants were required to register first. Those wishing to undergo a general physical examination were expected to register in advance through the registration link provided. Meanwhile, HbA1c testing, dental scaling, and physiotherapy services, delivered in collaboration with Universitas Medika Suherman, were available for on-site registration on the day of the event. Upon arriving at the Faculty of Medicine, President University, registered participants received queue numbers and were directed to the registration desk. At this stage, they were grouped according to the examinations they had selected. Student flow coordinators then guided them to the appropriate examination areas.

Students from the 2025 cohort were responsible for conducting ECG and spirometry examinations in line with their cardiovascular and respiratory system coursework. These examinations aimed to assess cardiac and pulmonary health and help identify potential risk factors for heart and lung diseases.

In another room, capillary blood testing was performed by students from the 2024 cohort in line with their endocrine and metabolic system coursework. These tests supported the prevention and early detection of metabolic conditions such as diabetes (blood glucose disorders), hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid), and hypercholesterolemia (elevated blood cholesterol). Participants then took part in a brief interview about their food intake over the previous 24 hours to provide context regarding factors that might influence the test results.

Students from the 2023 cohort conducted comprehensive head-to-toe physical examinations to help identify health conditions that might require further attention. The examinations covered the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, heart, abdomen, and lymph nodes. A brief cognitive test was also administered as part of cognitive function screening for participants over 60 years of age.

While waiting for their turn, participants could join a prize-giveaway session prepared by the Faculty of Medicine, President University. The activities began with a group exercise session led by FKPU students from the Class of 2025, which was met with great enthusiasm from the participants. The session continued with fun games, giving participants opportunities to win the prizes that had been prepared.

Through this program, FKPU students had the opportunity to apply the knowledge they had learned in the classroom by conducting non-invasive health examinations under the supervision of faculty members and healthcare professionals. At the same time, participants received free health examinations, education, and follow-up recommendations to increase awareness of the importance of early detection and disease prevention. In addition to benefiting students and the community, examination data collected with the participants’ consent may also be analyzed for research to support the future development of scientific knowledge and healthcare services.

“Through the Early Exposure ‘Aging Well Together’ program, we aim to provide students with a meaningful learning experience by enabling them to interact directly with the community. Students learn not only about clinical aspects but also develop communication skills, empathy, and an understanding of the importance of health promotion and disease prevention in maintaining health, particularly among older adults. We hope this program benefits the community while also helping shape future doctors who are compassionate, professional, and committed to community-oriented healthcare,” said Dr. Geraldine Kenyo Estuworo, Sp.FK., Chair of the Early Exposure (EE) ‘Aging Well Together’ Organizing Committee.

“This activity is highly beneficial, especially for those of us who are entering our later years. Through the available health examinations, I have gained a better understanding of my health condition and the importance of undergoing regular health screening for early detection,” said Umi Tri Susilowati, one of the participants.

“The Early Exposure program provides an invaluable learning experience because it allows us to apply what we have learned in the classroom while developing our communication skills, empathy, and ability to interact directly with the community,” said Audrey, a student at the Faculty of Medicine, President University.

Through Aging Well Together, the Faculty of Medicine, President University demonstrates its commitment to integrating medical education, healthcare services, and community engagement. The program not only benefits the public through health promotion and disease prevention efforts but also provides students with authentic learning opportunities through the Early Exposure approach. By interacting directly with the community, conducting health examinations, and delivering health education, students are expected to develop into competent and compassionate doctors with a strong commitment to public health.

Written by:

Arleta Zaskia Zahra

Raicha Fathimah Al Batul

 

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