UPNVJ Public Relations – The Chancellor of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ), Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm., reminded new doctors not to stop at having a degree, but to truly live the profession of doctor. This message was delivered at the Inauguration and Oath of Doctors of the 85th UPNVJ Faculty of Medicine for the 2025/2026 Academic Year at the Allwynn Grand Ballroom Cibis Park, South Jakarta, Wednesday (10/6/2026). The writing of the Rector's name and position has been adjusted to the official UPNVJ website.
In her remarks, Prof. Venus explained two ways humans live their lives and professions, as proposed by social thinker Erich Fromm: to have and to be. She argued that these two concepts can be used to understand the difference between someone who merely holds a medical degree and someone who truly becomes a doctor.
"Becoming a doctor lies somewhere between simply having a medical degree and truly being one. Both have different meanings and consequences," said Prof. Venus.
He explained that people who focus solely on possessing a degree are likely to view the medical profession as merely a status symbol or a commodity for personal gain. In such situations, a degree isn't always accompanied by a commitment to continuously develop competence, maintain integrity, and fully fulfill professional responsibilities.
According to Prof. Venus, the title of doctor should not be merely a formal identity attached to one's name. It carries moral, professional, and humanitarian responsibilities, as every doctor's decision directly impacts the health, safety, and lives of patients.
Unlike simply having a degree, being a doctor means embracing all the values inherent in the medical profession. A doctor is required to carry out their work in accordance with their oath, meet competency standards, and provide services responsibly.
"The doctor's oath is intended to ensure that someone truly becomes a doctor, not just a medical degree. They must fulfill all the requirements, meet the necessary competencies, and live their profession," he said.
Prof. Venus emphasized that the medical oath is more than just a series of words at an inauguration ceremony. It is a moral bond that serves as a guide for doctors when facing various situations and dilemmas in medical practice.
Therefore, doctors must maintain strong ethical principles, be honest, prioritize patient safety, and continually update their knowledge and skills. Clinical competence must go hand in hand with empathy, integrity, and concern for the community.
This message also emphasized that the medical education process does not end with inauguration and oath-taking. New doctors must continue to undergo a lifelong learning process, keeping pace with advances in science, health technology, and the ever-changing needs of society.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Venus expressed her hope that UPNVJ Faculty of Medicine graduates would become dedicated physicians with integrity and consistently uphold professional values. They were also expected to maintain public trust and uphold the good name of their alma mater in all their service.
"We hope that the graduates inaugurated and sworn in today will truly become true doctors. They will be dedicated, uphold integrity, and always uphold the good name of UPNVJ," said Venus.
Through the 85th Inauguration and Oath of Doctors, UPNVJ reaffirmed its commitment to producing doctors who not only excel in medical knowledge and skills, but also possess character, social responsibility, and a spirit of devotion to the nation and state.