Medan – FKM USU: The Doctoral Program in Public Health at the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FKM USU), held its qualifying examination for the 2026/2027 academic year on Monday and Tuesday, 7–8 September 2026, in Room E1.01 and the second-floor meeting room at FKM USU. Seven doctoral students from the 2025/2026 cohort participated in the examination. The qualifying examination is an academic assessment designed to evaluate students’ understanding of their field of study, mastery of research methodology, and critical thinking skills in developing their dissertation research. It also assesses their readiness to advance to doctoral candidacy (promovendus). The event was opened by the Dean of FKM USU, Dr. Umi Salmah, S.K.M., M.Kes., together with the Head of the Master’s and Doctoral Programs at FKM USU, Dr. Drs. R. Kintoko Rochadi, M.K.M., and the Secretary of the Doctoral Program, Dr. Ir. Evi Naria, M.Kes. The examination comprised two stages: a written examination on 7 September 2026 and qualifying examination presentations on 8 September 2026. The examination reflects the faculty’s commitment to strengthening a culture of academic quality and enhancing the quality of higher education. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by building academic capacity, strengthening researchers’ competencies, and providing doctoral education that develops highly qualified professionals in public health. The results of the written examination and presentations will serve as the basis for determining which students have passed and for appointing principal supervisors and co-supervisors for those who meet the required criteria.