Mangaluru: Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgical Societies and Trustwell Hospitals, Bengaluru, on May 5, 2026, to strengthen academic and research collaboration in the field of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The partnership marks a major step towards enhancing global-standard surgical education and specialised clinical training at the university.

MoU signed in presence of international experts

The MoU was formally signed by:

  • Dr. Aswini Dutt, Registrar, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University)
  • Dr. Andres Gantous, Vice President, International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgical Societies
  • Dr. Ullas Raghavan, Head of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Trust Hospital, UK
  • Dr. Vishwas K. Vijayadev, Head, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Trustwell Hospitals, Bengaluru

The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Gangadhara Somayaji, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Prakash Saldanha, Principal; Dr. Abhay Nirgude, Vice Principal; Dr. Saimanohar, Professor and Head of the Department of ENT; and Dr. Vijayalakshmi Subramaniam, Professor in ENT.

Fellowship programme in facial plastic surgery

As part of the collaboration, Yenepoya University will launch a specialised Fellowship Programme in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The programme will provide advanced clinical training under internationally recognised facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, offering fellows valuable global exposure and hands-on expertise.

International academic opportunities

Candidates completing the fellowship programme will become eligible to appear for fellowship and board examinations conducted by:

  • The European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
  • The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

This initiative is expected to create significant international academic and professional opportunities for medical graduates.

First private university in India with such programme

With this initiative, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) becomes the first private university in India to introduce a globally aligned fellowship programme in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The university stated that the collaboration reflects its commitment to innovation in medical education and specialised healthcare training.

Strengthening medical education and research

The MoU also focuses on collaborative research, academic excellence, and advanced surgical education in the field of facial plastic surgery.

The initiative further strengthens Yenepoya’s position as a centre for specialised medical education and international academic collaboration.

Continuing pioneering academic initiatives

The university highlighted that this programme adds to its recently introduced Fellowship in Vestibular Medicine, which commenced during the current academic year.

These initiatives are aimed at expanding super-speciality medical education and enhancing clinical expertise in emerging healthcare fields.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Yenepoya University, the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgical Societies, and Trustwell Hospitals marks a significant advancement in specialised surgical education and global academic partnerships in India.