UNAIR NEWS – Department of Medical Biology is a department under the management of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga (FK UNAIR). This department is led by dr. Zakiyatul Faizah., M.Kes.
The Department of Medical Biology oversees the andrology specialist study program. According to dr. Zakiyatul, this specialist program is the only one in Indonesia.
“Our andrology specialist program is the only one in Indonesia,” she explained.
The andrology specialist program was developed at FK UNAIR in 1978. This medical specialist program has received A accreditation. Andrology is a branch of medicine that studies the structure and function of the male reproductive system which includes disorders of the genitals and hormones, sexual disorders, and diseases related to male reproductive health.
Faizah explained that there are various advantages of this specialist program, such as carrying out the process of In Vitro Fertilization(IVF) in animals to the process of Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Some of the staffs also have expertise in the field of IVF in humans and they are acknowledged at international level, such as dr. Aucky Hinting, PhD., SpAnd.
“This department can also perform chromosome, sperm in animals or humans exams, freeze storage of sperm, oocytes and embryos,” she explained.
The laboratory equipment owned by the andrology specialist program is quite complete, for example, freezer -80 o C, Western Blott, incubator, centrifuge, laminar flow, and micro manipulator.
“These laboratory equipment can support research,” she said.
Since 1978, this specialist program has produced various graduates who have been active in their respective fields including dr. Taufiq Hidayat, Sp.And., M.Kes., the former head of the Blambangan Regional Hospital, Banyuwangi; dr. Henry Wibowo, Sp.And., MARS., one of the initiators of Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital (RSTKA).
Currently, the andrology specialist program has an adjunct professor, Prof. Delvac Oceandy, MD., PhD from Manchester University, which has produced excellent research and papers published in reputable international journals. Furthermore, dr. Faizah in the interview said that she would develop the department by expanding hospital network and opening opportunities for staff and participants of Medical Specialist Education Program (PPDS) to collaborate with researchers from abroad. “The department will also develop research in collaboration with foreign partners,” she concluded. (*)
Author: Icha Nur Imami Puspita
Editor: Feri Fenoria
