Argon Goes to Campus at the University of Sumatera Utara, Preparing Pharmacy Students to Face Professional Challenges

PT Medela Potentia Tbk, through its Argon Peduli program, hosted Argon Goes to Campus at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sumatera Utara (USU) on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Attended by more than 200 students from the Pharmacy Department and the Professional Pharmacist Education Program, the initiative aimed to broaden perspectives and equip future pharmacists to meet the evolving demands of the profession and embrace their vital role in the digital era.

In the first session, Mrs. Sylvana, Talent Acquisition & Company Branding Manager of PT Medela Potentia Tbk, delivered a presentation titled Career Forward: Strategies to Succeed, Stand Out, and Stay Aligned. She emphasized the importance of building a career foundation early in university life by mastering both technical and soft skills, while also cultivating a competitive edge through personal branding and effective communication.

Mrs. Sylvana also outlined diverse career opportunities for pharmacy graduates within the pharmaceutical and medical device distribution industry—ranging from operations and supply chain management to marketing and business development.“Pharmacy students should not rely solely on academic excellence. To truly succeed and stand out, you need to build differentiation, develop a strong work ethic, and ensure your career journey aligns with your core values. The pharmaceutical and medical device distribution sector offers abundant strategic career opportunities for the future,” she noted.

The next session was led by Mrs. Ruth Retno Dewi, Director of PT Karsa Inti Tuju Askara (GoApotik), under the theme The Role of Pharmacists in the Digital Era. She highlighted the ongoing shift in pharmacy services from conventional practices to digital ecosystems.“Pharmacists hold a strategic role as educators, consultants, and innovators amid this healthcare transformation. Technology enables pharmacists to connect with patients more closely, transcending physical boundaries,” she explained.

She further elaborated on GoApotik’s position as a leading digital healthcare platform with a 60 percent market share. Beyond serving as an online pharmacy, GoApotik provides a comprehensive digital health ecosystem that requires the active participation of pharmacists. Their contributions include offering digital consultations, ensuring the authenticity and safety of medicines, and guiding patients in proper prescription understanding and medication use.

“This digital transformation does not replace the role of pharmacists—it expands their reach and impact, enabling pharmacy services to benefit a broader segment of the Indonesian population. Now is the time for pharmacists to enhance their contributions by combining pharmaceutical expertise with digital capabilities,” Mrs. Ruth added.

The Argon Goes to Campus series at USU also featured community-driven initiatives, including health screenings and a blood donation program open to students, faculty, and the wider academic community. These activities reflect Argon Peduli’s commitment to promoting health awareness and expanding access to preventive healthcare among the younger generation.

A total of 216 individuals participated in health screenings, while 36 blood donors showcased the strong enthusiasm of students and faculty in engaging with this meaningful social initiative.

The event was also attended by Prof. apt. Khairunnisa, S.Si., M.Pharm., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy USU, along with Mrs. apt. Marianne, S.Si., M.Si., Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Pharmacy. They expressed appreciation for the synergy between academia and industry in preparing competent pharmacy professionals.

“This program is highly valuable in expanding students’ understanding of pharmaceutical industry developments, including the role of pharmacists in digital transformation. We also hope for continued and expanded collaboration between the Faculty of Pharmacy University of Sumatera Utara and PT Medela Potentia Tbk,” said Prof. Khairunnisa.

Through Argon Goes to Campus at USU, PT Medela Potentia Tbk and its subsidiaries reaffirm their commitment to supporting the development of Indonesia’s young generation. The initiative is designed to strengthen the readiness of pharmacy students and aspiring pharmacists in facing professional challenges, while deepening their understanding of the pharmacist’s strategic role in the ongoing digital transformation of healthcare.