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Experiential Learning in Action: MPH Students and Faculty Engaged in Measles Outbreak Response in Pamekasan
Students from the Master of Public Health Program (S2 IKM) at Udayana University (UNUD) have embarked on a unique experiential learning opportunity by serving as technical personnel in the ongoing measles outbreak in Pamekasan, Madura. Prior to their field deployment, the students received thorough briefing sessions to prepare for the challenges they would face on site.
On 11 September 2025, after a one-hour flight to Surabaya and a four-hour road journey, the UNUD MPH students arrived in Pamekasan, joining a field team from Universitas Indonesia. Upon arrival, they were assigned a field mentor, Dr. Sholikah, who also serves as a staff member at the Pamekasan District Health Office. The first day was focused on familiarizing the students with local data, hospital records, and operational systems, including hands-on training for the SKDR application provided by the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC). Although the students spent most of the day indoors due to late arrival, they concluded the day with the preparation and delivery of a Situation Report (SITREP) to all stakeholders via night Zoom’s meeting. Participants included representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Provincial and District Health Offices, local Puskesmas, FETP Indonesia, seven university FETP teams, PHEOC, PAELI, and the field-deployed students.
The SITREP session provided invaluable learning for the students. They not only reported the day’s situation but also learned to respond effectively to questions and feedback from a diverse group of public health professionals. Several actionable recommendations were generated during the meeting, including increased emphasis on community-based case finding and daily mapping of cases by location and time. These experiences strengthened the students’ critical thinking, adaptability, and ability to operate under real-world public health pressures.
The following days, 12 and 13 September 2025, involved intensive fieldwork. Students traced new cases using data from hospitals, Puskesmas, and private clinics, and conducted epidemiological investigations in the community. Direct interaction with affected residents allowed the students to witness severe cases firsthand, develop empathy, and practice problem-solving through coordination with local health authorities. Students also continued to prepare and present daily SITREPs via night zoom meeting in a structured and organized manner, maintaining communication with the broader outbreak response team.
This deployment represents a remarkable example of experiential learning, enabling students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills in outbreak investigation, data analysis, risk communication, and community engagement. For the faculty involved, the field assignment offers an opportunity to expand professional expertise, provide mentorship in high-pressure scenarios, and contribute recommendations to policymakers for effective and efficient outbreak management.
Overall, this hands-on experience exemplifies the program’s commitment to producing skilled public health professionals capable of responding to contemporary health challenges. It also reinforces the MPH program’s vision and mission to integrate academic learning with societal needs, foster collaboration across institutions, and uphold values essential for accreditation, such as evidence-based decision-making, professional integrity, and leadership in public health practice.
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MEDICAL FACULTY