The Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University (FK UNDIP), held a Guest Lecture and Expert Discussion titled “Degenerative Diseases from the Perspective of Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)” on Friday, 14 November 2025. The event took place at the Old Dean Building Auditorium, FK UNDIP Semarang, and presented experts from psychology, internal medicine, and psychiatry.
The event was officially opened by the Head of the Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences FK UNDIP, together with Dr. Awal Prasetyo, M.Kes., Sp.THT-KL, MM, as the coordinator of the Psychoneuroimmunology module. This activity aims to provide a comprehensive scientific understanding of degenerative diseases through the interdisciplinary lens of Psychoneuroimmunology, a field increasingly relevant in modern health sciences.
Invited Speakers
The session featured three distinguished speakers:
-
Dr. Hendro Prabowo, S.Psi (Gunadarma University)
-
Dr. Yanuar Ardani, M.Kes., Sp.PD, Subsp.P.P.M (K) (Dr. Kariadi General Hospital)
-
Dr. Natalia Dewi Wardani, Sp.KJ (FK UNDIP)
The discussion was further enriched by contributions from:
-
Dr. Udadi Sadhana, M.Kes., Sp.P.A., Subsp.M.S.(K)
-
Dr. Awal Prasetyo, M.Kes., Sp.THT-KL, MM
Participants from Diverse Backgrounds
The activity was attended by more than 50 participants consisting of:
-
Students of the Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences
-
Alumni of FK UNDIP
-
Members of the Elderly Association of PMI Semarang City
The diversity of participants encouraged interactive discussions and broadened the perspectives shared throughout the session.
Psychoneuroimmunology Insights on Degenerative Diseases
The speakers elaborated on key concepts including:
-
the relationship between psychological stress and chronic inflammation,
-
the interaction between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems,
-
biological mechanisms underlying degenerative diseases,
-
preventive strategies and lifestyle-based health optimization.
The question-and-answer session was lively, with many participants—particularly those from the elderly association—sharing experiences related to aging and chronic health conditions.
This event is expected to strengthen the academic insight of students, expand scientific networking, and foster collaboration among academics, healthcare professionals, and the community in understanding and managing degenerative diseases from a holistic perspective.