A series of once-in-a-lifetime experiences have been commenced by GADJAH MADA MEDICAL SUMMER COURSE (GAMAMORSE) 2015 during last year’s summer vacation on 2nd August till 13th August 2015. The course was held in our very own Gadjah Mada University’s Faculty of Medicine.
The main topic that was picked for this year’s GAMAMORSE was Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). NTDs are a diverse set of communicable diseases that prevail in tropical and subtropical countries. NTDs is a major, but mostly ignored by the global population, problem in developing countries, especially Indonesia. These diseases can be parasitic or microbial. Over 1 billion people are affected by NTDs, which means that there is one person that contracts NTDs in every seven people. In Indonesia, there are several commonly-occured NTDs such as leprosy, dengue fever, yaws, soil-transmitted helminthes and many others. Some of these diseases can be easily solved because they only need simple management and control.
The course was consisted of lectures and a panel discussion from FMGMU’S top medical experts on their respective fields to enrich the participants’ knowledge and practical sessions to give them real hands-on experience. The 11 lectures and panel discussion revolved around the topic ‘case management until global response towards NTDs’. Practical sessions were held by participating departments, which are the Department of Parasitology, Department of Tropical Diseases and Department of Medical Education.
Other than lectures and practical sessions, participants also got the chance to visit Eliminate Dengue Project’s (EDP) Insectarium, observe Primary Health Care here in Indonesia, give health education to elementary school students and interact with the local residents of Kali Code.
Oh, we almost forget of mentioning GAMAMORSE’s exciting social programmes. Yogyakarta’s authentic and traditional culture are also the main focus of GAMAMORSE in its contribution of preserving and spreading the beauty of our beloved Yogyakarta and its heritage. Over a dozen of places, attractions and activities that the participants got to visit and do. Touristy locations are consisted of classic Borobudur & Prambanan temples, the Yogyakarta Kraton Palace, Tamansari Water Castle, Ullen Sentalu Musuem, Malioboro, Pindul Cave and Sadranan Beach. Once-in-a-lifetime activites such as seeing the Ramayana Ballet, joining courses on Gamelan and Batik Painting and going on the Merapi Lava Tour were also put into the social programmes’ itinerary.
All in all, GAMAMORSE 2015 was an incredible and unforgettable success. All of the experiences and memories that were made during the eleven days, deserved to be reminisced and loved not only by the amazing participants and committee but also by our beloved CIMSA UGM and GMU’s Faculty of Medicine. (Chapu)