SEMARANG – dr. Irene Gunawan, Sp.PD., Subsp.Ger(K), was named the top graduate of the Geriatric Subspecialist Education Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, after achieving a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.00. She graduated alongside 102 other subspecialist physicians during the graduation ceremony held on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
For Dr. Irene, earning the distinction of top graduate was never her primary goal. Instead, she viewed it as the result of her commitment to continuous learning, deepening her expertise, and preparing herself to become a geriatric consultant capable of making meaningful contributions to healthcare. Her subspecialty training was far from easy, as she had to balance rigorous academic demands with her responsibilities as a mother while maintaining her mental well-being. She emphasized that the unwavering support of her family and fellow trainees in the Geriatrics program played a vital role in helping her complete the program.
Dr. Irene described the academic environment at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro as conducive, supportive, and rich in scientific culture. She said that close collaboration among trainees, lecturers, and consultants fostered a comprehensive, critical, and ethical learning experience. She also highlighted one of the faculty’s greatest strengths: the wide variety of clinical cases encountered at its main teaching hospital, Dr. Kariadi Central General Hospital, combined with a holistic and evidence-based approach to medical education.
“We are trained to view patients as whole individuals from a biopsychosocial and environmental perspective—not merely through the lens of their disease. In addition, the strong sense of family within the program creates a truly supportive learning environment,“ she told the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro on Tuesday (August 4, 2026).
She also expressed her appreciation to the lecturers and consultants, who served not only as educators but also as mentors and role models in shaping professionalism among physicians. Their openness in discussing clinical cases, journal articles, and case presentations provided invaluable learning experiences throughout her subspecialty training.
As both a graduate and a lecturer, Dr. Irene said she drew significant inspiration from the faculty members at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, particularly in understanding the vital role of educators in mentoring and shaping future generations of physicians. Throughout her clinical rotations, she regarded every patient encounter as a valuable learning opportunity. Geriatric education, she explained, emphasizes a comprehensive approach to patient care by considering not only medical conditions but also psychological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors.
Dr. Irene encouraged physicians who are planning to pursue—or are currently undertaking—specialist or subspecialist training to build strong collaboration with fellow trainees, maintain solid family support, and prioritize personal well-being. She also advised them not to hesitate to ask questions and learn from lecturers, senior physicians, colleagues, and nursing staff.
“It is important to understand yourself—know when you need time for yourself, when to share your feelings, reward yourself, and exercise. The key is maintaining a healthy balance so that you can stay happy while learning,“ she advised.
Dr. Irene Gunawan’s achievement as the top graduate of the Geriatric Subspecialist Program reflects the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro’s commitment to producing academically outstanding, highly professional, and ethical specialist and subspecialist physicians who are well-prepared to contribute to improving healthcare services for the community. (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro Public Relations)
