“Since the beginning of my medical education, I have had a very strong interest in the structure of the human body and the relationship between form and function. That interest grew into a commitment when I was entrusted to teach anatomy and histology. From lecture halls and laboratories to mentoring students in research,” said dr. Dyah Listyarifah, M.Sc., D.Med.Sci., Medical Anatomy Expert (PAK).
For dr. Dyah, who is warmly known by colleagues and students, anatomy—both macroanatomy and microanatomy (histology)—is not merely memorization, but the fundamental science of medicine that forms the foundation for understanding every process in the human body. During her master’s and doctoral studies, she deepened her expertise through research, education, and community service.
From there, dr. Dyah felt called to become part of the anatomy community through PAAI (Perkumpulan Ahli Anatomi Indonesia – Indonesian Association of Anatomists). Her involvement led her to various scientific forums, National Scientific Meetings (PIN) of PAAI, and community service activities, strengthening her identity as an anatomy educator—not only as a teacher, but as a developer of the discipline who must continue to move forward.
This appointment was granted based on her academic track record in anatomy, in accordance with official criteria set by PAAI National, which include: 1. Teaching anatomy and histology in a medical faculty for more than five years (fulfilling the three main pillars of Tridharma: education, research, and community service); 2. Linear academic education in biomedical/anatomy-histology fields; 3. Scientific activity, including participation in PIN PAAI, national and international publications, and student academic supervision; 4. Organizational contributions, particularly in anatomy curriculum development, integration of basic and clinical sciences, and education of younger generations. This appointment is not merely personal recognition, but a form of professional responsibility.
The conferment of Medical Anatomy Expertise was conducted as part of the PIN PAAI (National Scientific Meeting of PAAI), the official forum for awarding expert titles. Date: 3 October 2025. The Certificate of Expertise was presented by the Chairman of PB PAAI, dr. Nur Arfian, Ph.D. The ceremony was held before the national anatomy community, making it a historic moment and the highest academic honor in the field of anatomy in Indonesia.
For dr. Dyah, the meaning of being appointed as a Medical Anatomy Expert is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a greater responsibility. The expert title represents:
- Scientific recognition for dedication to anatomy education.
- Commitment to service, to continue nurturing future doctors and dentists who understand the human body holistically.
- Moral responsibility, to ensure anatomy remains relevant, up to date, and clinically meaningful.
Its deepest meaning is being part of the continuity of Indonesian anatomical science—echoing PAAI’s motto: “Towards Meaningful and Impactful Anatomy for Indonesia.”
The Biggest “Homework” for Medical Anatomy in Indonesia According to dr. Dyah
According to dr. Dyah, there are several major challenges that must be faced:
At the national level:
- Maintaining the existence of anatomy amid increasingly clinical-focused modern medical curricula.
- Encouraging technology-based anatomical research (3D, imaging, digital atlases).
- Increasing international collaboration so that Indonesian anatomy is globally recognized.
Specifically in Dentistry:
- Integrating anatomy–histology–embryology relevant to dental clinical practice.
- Providing innovative learning resources (CBL, cadaveric study, virtual dissection) to understand cranio-dental anatomy
“I view anatomical expertise not merely as a title, but as a mandate for scientific development. The plans are: 1. Strengthening Modern Anatomy Education by developing integrative modules (anatomy-clinical, radiologic anatomy, surgical anatomy) based on CBL and digital learni 2. Anatomy Research & Publication by promoting applied anatomy research: anatomical variations, surgical clinical studies, and anatomy education, as well as international publications. 3. Regeneration through PAAI by inviting young lecturers to actively join PAAI, participate in dissection workshops, microtechnique training, and PIN PAAI to ensure continuity of the discipline. 4. International Networking by promoting Indonesian anatomy work in IFAA and APICA forums, so that we are not only followers, but global contributors,” concluded dr. Dyah.
Author: Andri Wicaksono | Photo: Dr. Dyah’s Documentation
