International collaboration grows: two fellowships begin in Bogotá

A new bridge between Italy and Colombia

From 21 to 23 July 2025, in Bogotá, at the Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, the opening ceremony was held for two international fellowships promoted by Smile House Fondazione ETS. An important initiative that strengthens the bond between our country and Colombia in the name of training, exchange and the sharing of good practice in the care of craniomaxillofacial malformations.

The event was attended by some of the leading figures in Colombian healthcare and university education – Dr Jorge E. Gómez Cusnir, President of the Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá – Hospital de San José; Dr Sergio Augusto Parra Duarte, Rector of the Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud; Dr Jorge E. Cantini Ardila, of the Plastic Surgery department of the Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá – Hospital de San José; Dr Rolando Prada, of the Maxillofacial Surgery department of the Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá – Hospital de San José – together with Dr Fabio Mazzoleni, Director of the Smile House in Monza – Craniofacial Centre of the IRCCS San Gerardo.

A collective presence that bears witness to the joint commitment to strengthening skills, promoting excellence and building a common language in the care of patients.

Two young doctors in training

The scholarships were awarded to two young Colombian surgeons, Luis Carlos Giovannetti Villegas and Nicolás Restrepo Salamanca, who will officially begin their training on 1 August 2025 and complete it on 31 July 2026.

During this year, they will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the most advanced techniques, take part in clinical and surgical activities and engage with experienced professionals in a multidisciplinary and humanly enriching setting.

Through initiatives such as this, our Foundation renews its commitment to international cooperation based on sharing, training and growth, with the aim of building a future in which every individual can receive quality care that is close at hand and tailored to their needs.