Prof. Dr. dr. Allen Widysanto, Sp.P., TTS, FAPSR, FISR, Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) Faculty of Medicine Vice Dean, has been officially inaugurated as a Professor in the field of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine. The ceremony took place on June 10, 2023, following the Decree of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) Number 20216/M/07/2023 issued on April 3, 2023.

As the first professor of pulmonology in Indonesia from a private university, Prof. Allen delivered an inaugural speech titled “Efforts to Prevent and Stop Teenage Smoking: An Opportunity and Challenge.” She emphasized that smoking among teenagers poses a greater threat compared to adults and stressed the long-term health implications of easy access to cigarettes for young people.

In her speech, Prof. Allen highlighted a warning from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which stated that if smoking behavior among teenagers continues, it could lead to 5.6 million premature deaths from smoking-related diseases for those under the age of 18.

Additionally, she pointed out that Indonesia, with a population of over 266 million, currently has an estimated 70 million smokers. The habit of smoking often starts during adolescence, with nine out of ten children beginning to smoke at the age of 18. It is crucial to pay attention not only to conventional cigarettes but also to electronic cigarettes, as they have the potential to negatively impact teenage health.

“Cigarettes contain nicotine, the primary psychoactive substance found in tobacco leaves that causes addictive psychological stimulation. According to her, nicotine exposure in teenagers can have adverse effects on the central nervous system, disrupt cognitive function, and hinder development, especially when tobacco use persists in the long term.”

In terms of health issues, approximately 30% of cancer-related deaths occur in smokers. Smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke also increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke by 2-4 times. Furthermore, smoking raises the risk of infections, immune system disorders, vision problems, osteoporosis, and diabetes.

To combat smoking among teenagers, Prof. Allen initiated the Smoking Cessation Movement (GEBROK) in 2015. This community development program is introduced to UPH medical students who are members of the Centre for Indonesian Medical Students Activities (CIMSA). The GEBROK program consists of six modules, with each module facilitated by a mentor responsible for a small group of 5-6 individuals. The sessions are held weekly, with each module taught in one hour.

The first module focuses on providing junior high school to high school students from various schools with an understanding of basic theories related to tobacco use, the short-term and long-term consequences of smoking, and determining a desired quit date. In the second module, participants receive training on four strategies to quit smoking. The third module evaluates the progress of each participant in reducing the amount of cigarettes consumed.

Moving on to the fourth module, participants are motivated to think about strategies that will help them quit smoking and engage in relaxation activities at home. The fifth module aims to assess the progress of each participant and identify strategies that have been implemented to reduce smoking. Lastly, participants are asked to reflect on their smoking cessation efforts from the beginning of the program until its completion.

The results of the GEBROK program demonstrated promising success rates. In 2015, eight out of 11 participants successfully quit smoking, followed by all 10 participants in 2016, and seven out of 11 participants in 2017.

Prof. Allen emphasized that the GEBROK program has maintained its consistency, continuing every year, even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. Despite the circumstances, students remained enthusiastic and adapted the program to an online format.

“I also provide input and advice to the government and the entire Indonesian society to collaborate in implementing WHO’s recommendations. This includes monitoring tobacco use, ensuring protection from tobacco smoke, providing assistance for quitting smoking, raising awareness about the dangers of smoking, enforcing restrictions on cigarette advertising, promotions, and sponsorships, as well as increasing tobacco taxes,” stated Prof. Allen.

Congratulations were also extended by UPH Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Dr. dr. Eka Julianta Wahjoepramono, Sp. BS, Ph.D., He said, “Prof. Dr. Allen is the first professor in the field of pulmonology from a private university in Indonesia. The emergence of a Professor of Medicine from a private university is a rarity, and at UPH, we have six of them,” said Prof. Eka.

According to Prof. Eka, the number of professors can significantly influence the quality and credibility of a medical faculty. He hopes that Prof. Allen’s contributions will not only benefit UPH and Siloam but also extend to the nation and beyond.

Siloam Hospitals Group Managing Director Caroline Riady, extended her congratulations to Prof. Allen, praising her dedication to serving patients. Caroline considers Prof. Allen a role model and an inspiration for both specialist doctors and young medical professionals. She expressed gratitude for Prof. Allen’s service and commitment to educating the next generation of doctors who will carry on her legacy.

The Founder of Lippo Group and Senior Advisor to the Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) Foundation Dr. Mochtar Riady, also attended the event to deliver speeches and express his congratulations. In his remark, Dr. Mochtar highlighted the significant influence of technological advancements in all fields, especially healthcare. He expressed hope that healthcare professionals and facilities will continue to evolve and adapt to these changes.

Furthermore, Dr. Mochtar acknowledged that Prof. Allen possesses not only knowledge and technological expertise but also a compassionate heart, deeply caring for her patients. During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, Prof. Allen demonstrated unwavering commitment by serving Covid-19 patients without missing a day at the hospital. Dr. Mochtar expressed confidence that with future generations at UPH and Siloam, such as Prof. Allen, the Faculty of Medicine at UPH will continue to advance and make significant contributions to healthcare.

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