Nederlandsch-Indische Artsen School

Medical school in the Dutch East Indies

The Nederlandsch-Indische Artsen School (NIAS) was a prominent medical school located in the Dutch East Indies, now known as Indonesia. Established in the early 20th century, it played a crucial role in the education of native Indonesian physicians during the colonial period.

History

The Nederlandsch-Indische Artsen School was founded in 1913 in Surabaya, a major city on the island of Java. The establishment of the school was part of a broader effort by the Dutch colonial government to improve healthcare in the colony and to provide medical education to the indigenous population. Prior to the establishment of NIAS, medical education in the Dutch East Indies was limited, and there was a significant shortage of trained medical professionals.

Curriculum

The curriculum at NIAS was designed to provide a comprehensive medical education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical training. Students were taught a range of subjects including anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical medicine. The school emphasized the importance of understanding local diseases and conditions, which were prevalent in the tropical environment of the Dutch East Indies.

Facilities

Het leslokaal in het nieuwe gebouw van de Nederlands-Indische Artsenschool (NIAS) in Soerabaja

The facilities at NIAS were considered advanced for the time, with well-equipped classrooms and laboratories. The school also had a teaching hospital where students could gain hands-on experience in treating patients. This practical training was a key component of the education at NIAS, preparing students to work effectively in the healthcare system of the Dutch East Indies.

Impact and Legacy

The Nederlandsch-Indische Artsen School had a significant impact on the development of healthcare in Indonesia. Many of its graduates went on to become leading figures in the medical field, both during and after the colonial period. The school contributed to the professionalization of medicine in Indonesia and helped to lay the foundation for modern medical education in the country.

After Indonesia gained independence in 1945, the school continued to operate under the new government. It eventually evolved into part of the modern medical education system in Indonesia, influencing the establishment of medical faculties in Indonesian universities.

Related pages

• Dutch East Indies
• Medical education in Indonesia
• Surabaya