Heart Sapling Graduation | Two Indonesian Scholars Complete One-Year Training Program

On the morning of February 18, Indonesian cardiovascular physicians Suryo Ardi Hutomo and Arief Aji Subakti arrived at the lecture hall of Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University (XMCH). This time, they took the stage as keynote speakers, delivering an insightful academic presentation to their mentors and fellow physicians. At the conclusion of the session, they received their Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program graduation certificates from their mentors. As applause filled the room, this moment marked the successful completion of their one-year academic exchange and training.

The Graduation Presentation and Group Photo of Suryo and Arief

One year ago, Suryo and Arief were selected through a rigorous interview process to join the Heart Sapling Visiting Scholar Program at XMCH. Launched by XMCH, this international training initiative is designed for young cardiovascular specialists worldwide, aiming to cultivate outstanding cardiovascular professionals and enhance global cardiovascular care standards. In April 2023, the program was officially introduced at the United Nations High-Level Thematic Event on the Global Development Initiative (GDI) by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). In April 2024, it was incorporated into CIDCA's “Global Development Project Pool”.

Clinical Practice of Suryo in Interventional Treatment

Practice of Arief in Teaching Ward Rounds

Suryo and Arief expressed their gratitude for the invaluable training at XMCH, where they benefited from world-class mentorship, advanced medical equipment, and strong logistical support. Over the past year, they have been able to fully immerse themselves in cutting-edge coronary and valvular interventional procedures, gaining expertise in treating complex cardiovascular diseases. This experience will greatly aid them in introducing innovative medical techniques upon their return to Indonesia, ultimately helping to improve local cardiovascular care.

XMCH signed a cooperation agreement with Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital

The team of President Wang Yan guided Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in performing interventional cardiovascular procedures

In July 2024, XMCH President Wang Yan led a team to Surabaya, Indonesia, where they engaged in academic exchanges with Dr. Suryo’s hospital, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital. During the visit, the two hospitals signed a cooperation agreement, and XMCH cardiologists utilized Chinese-developed innovative medical devices to guide local specialists in performing several pioneering interventional cardiovascular procedures. This collaboration exemplifies XMCH’s commitment to advancing the Global Development Initiative (GDI) by combining “bringing in” international scholars with “going out” to share expertise globally.

Currently, the Heart Sapling Program has welcomed 18 scholars from 10 countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, Egypt, Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and El Salvador, for specialized training at XMCH. Simultaneously, XMCH has been invited to conduct academic exchanges and surgical guidance at hospitals in Brazil, Indonesia, and El Salvador, providing bilateral medical support. The Heart Sapling Program has been featured in CGTN, People’s Daily, and widely recognized in international medical collaborations. In September 2024, at the Global Development Initiative Dialogue, it was announced that in the next three years, XMCH will enroll 50 more Heart Sapling scholars from nations in the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, further contributing to the development of a global health community.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. XMCH plans to co-host an academic conference with Indonesian medical institutions to further deepen academic exchanges in the field of cardiovascular medicine and promote healthcare exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.