Ratwita Gandasoebrata

Ratwita Gandasoebrata (26 October 1919after 1984) was an Indonesian physician and a professor of clinical pathology at the University of Indonesia. He was known for his role in pioneering the development of clinical pathology in Indonesia. He also served as the dean of the University of Indonesia's medical faculty from 1977 to 1984.

Early life and education Born on 26 October 1919 in Magelang, Ratwita studied at the Hogere Burgerschool (HBS, equivalent to high school) in Magelang from 1932 to 1937, passing the final exam after a second attempt. He then attended the Geneeskundige Hoogeschool (GHS, Medical College), passing the 1st candidate exam in 1938 and the 2nd candidate exam in 1941. He also worked as a student candidate in 1939 until the college's closure by the Japanese authorities following the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies in 1942. He then moved to Bogor to work as a lecturer at the Bogor veterinary school (predecessor to the Bogor Agricultural Institute).

Medical career Upon graduating, Ratwita joined the University of Indonesia's biochemical department under L. N. Went, the department's chair. Went conducted research on the normal values for biochemical compounds in the blood specific to Indonesian individuals, which was necessary because laboratories in Indonesia relied on standard values derived from Western populations. The research involved meticulous analyses, such as determining plasma protein levels using the Kjeldahl method and electrophoresis (with equipment assembled themselves), as well as measuring serum calcium by titration and urine sodium and potassium using a flame photometer. The research sparked Ratwita's interest in applied research to address major health concerns of the era. Sometime later, Ratwita succeeded Went as the department's chair. Ratwita's founding role of the clinical department at the university led to his recognition as a pioneer of clinical pathology in Indonesia.

On 6 December 1976, Ratwita was elected as the dean of the University of Indonesia's medicine faculty, replacing Djamaloeddin who resigned due to health issues. He assumed office in 1977 and served for two three-year terms until he was succeeded by Asri Rasad, his first deputy, on 10 March 1984.

For his contribution to the development of medicine, Ratwita received the Satyalancana Karya Satya, 1st Class medal. He was also a member of several medical organizations, such as the Union of Indonesian Physicians, Union of Clinical Pathology Experts, International Society of Hematology, and the International Society of Clinical Chemistry.

Publications Throughout his life, Ratwita has authored a number of articles relating to medicine:

Personal life Ratwita was married to Lucie Mohede and has four children.