McMaster faculty strengthen global health partnerships in Indonesia

In December, faculty members from McMaster University’s Department of Family Medicine traveled to Indonesia to share expertise and strengthen partnerships through an academic exchange at two universities: University of Sumatera (USU) in Medan and University of Syiah Kuala (USK) in Banda Aceh.

The Indonesian universities organized seminars and workshops to bring together faculty members, residents and medical students from across the region to meet with the McMaster team to discuss clinical teaching, curriculum development, chronic disease management, palliative care and more.

Faculty who participated in the exchange included: Lita Cameron, assistant clinical professor and Global Health Lead; Erin Gallagher, associate professor; Ryan Coelho, assistant clinical professor (adjunct); and Mark Levitan, assistant clinical professor (adjunct).

On November 26, just days before their arrival, Tropical Cyclone Senyar hit Sumatra Island, leaving catastrophic flooding and landslides that also disrupted the trip.

“Despite the state of emergency from the cyclone induced catastrophic flooding and landslides, we were met with incredible generosity and hospitality. We had the opportunity to learn from the coordinated disaster response in addition to site visits to their hospitals, as well as urban and rural community centers. We learned a great deal from our Indonesian colleagues about their approach to collaboration and creativity to advancing primary care despite significant challenges,” says Cameron.

McMaster’s engagement in Indonesia dates back to 2004, when Lynda Redwood-Campbell, professor of family medicine, led medical relief efforts with the Canadian and International Red Cross in Aceh after the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

This led to a connection with USK and a partnership that has focused on developing family medicine curriculum, faculty training and exchange, supporting the launch of a family medicine program and joint research initiatives. In 2024, McMaster expanded its reach by forming a new partnership with USU, supporting formally two of Indonesia’s nine emerging family medicine programs. This also solidified our relationship with the Indonesia Association for Family Medicine, lead by USU faculty member Isti Fujiati.

As the partnership strengthens, the department will continue to support the dynamic efforts of Indonesian colleagues as they chart the path forward for strengthening family medicine across the country. Next steps include residency and faculty exchange, with plans to host family medicine residents at McMaster in fall 2026, as well as curriculum support and development.