The establishment of the Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine at Universitas Hasanuddin traces back to 1975 when the Cardiology Sub-Division was established under the Department of Internal Medicine. Guided by Prof. Dr. Junus Alkatiri Sp.PD, Sp.JP(K), the department responded to the evolving landscape of diseases, transitioning from infectious to cardiovascular, degenerative, and cancerous ailments due to advancements in various sectors.

With a growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the vast eastern region of Indonesia, a need for specialized doctors became evident. Despite only two existing centers for Cardiology & Vascular Medicine Specialist education in Indonesia, plans emerged to establish a program at Universitas Hasanuddin.

The initiative gained momentum as Prof. Dr. Junus Alkatiri Sp.PD, Sp.JP(K) led discussions and meetings within the Department of Internal Medicine. In 1996, a formal proposal was sent to PP PERKI, receiving approval in September of that year. Subsequent efforts involved coordination with various institutions, including Universitas Airlangga, and in 2001, the Cardiology Department was officially established through a Chancellor’s Decree.

In 2005, Prof. Dr. Junus Alkatiri Sp.PD, Sp.JP(K) envisioned the department as a comprehensive education center for future cardiologists in eastern Indonesia. This vision garnered support from key figures within the university, the medical community, and relevant authorities. Collaborative efforts with Universitas Airlangga in 2008 further solidified the department’s role in regional cardiology education.

After meeting the necessary requirements and a visitation by a team of experts in 2008, the Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine gained accreditation and was recommended for independence. The culmination of these efforts resulted in the official permission granted by the Ministry of Education in 2009 to organize the Specialist Program of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine at Universitas Hasanuddin.

In 2009, the Cardiology and Vascular Medicine Department welcomed its first batch of students from the Medical Education Study Program specializing in cardiology and vascular medicine, marking a significant milestone in the department’s journey toward becoming a prominent regional hub for cardiovascular education.