The Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) left its mark at the World Congress of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) 2025, held in Singapore. With the outstanding participation of three young residents of its postgraduate program in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, the UIS not only represented Colombia, but also raised the name of the country by demonstrating leadership and innovation in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery worldwide.
Camilo Peñaloza Mantilla, Jorge Vásquez Vanegas and Karen Rodríguez Franco were the only Colombian residents to present innovative projects at the most relevant event for the elite of global plastic surgeons, marking a before and after for Colombian medicine.
A Model of Transformation that Saves Lives: Silver for the UIS!
With a deep commitment to public health, fourth-year resident Dr. Jorge Sebastián Vásquez Vanegas was honored with the silver medal in the “Poster Discussion – Other Non-Surgical” category. His paper, “Diagnostic Ability of Skin Cancer Lesions among Medical Students and Professionals: Impact of Educational Interventions,” is much more than research; it is a beacon of hope.
“This recognition is the result of a collective work that involved teachers, fellow graduate students and the institutional support of the University and the Hospital,” emphasized Vasquez Vanegas, highlighting the scientific quality and the enormous social impact of her project. His graduate thesis, aimed at strengthening the early detection of skin cancer, has shown that with simple educational interventions and the power of audiovisuals, a significant improvement in the diagnosis of this pathology can be achieved. The vision for the future is clear and ambitious: “To extend this strategy to the general population through digital platforms and mobile applications, in order to massify knowledge and promote the timely detection of skin cancer,” said Dr. Vasquez Vanegas.
Innovation from Colombia to the World: Bronze with UIS Seal!
Colombian creativity and ingenuity also shone with the bronze medal obtained by Dr. Camilo Peñaloza Mantilla, second year resident, in the category “Rapid Communications – Other non-surgical”. His award-winning project, “The Manufacturing Process of a 3D Printed Silicone Model for Cleft Lip Simulation in Surgical Training”, is a pioneering solution, designed and built entirely in Colombia, in an inspiring collaboration with the UIS School of Industrial Design.
This model represents a revolution in the training of unilateral cleft lip surgery, a highly complex procedure that requires precision and anatomical knowledge. In a context where exposure to real cases is decreasing, simulation has become vital. The differential of the UIS model: its affordable cost, its ease of use and, above all, its anatomical fidelity, allowing to replicate the diversity of severities of this condition.
“The project focuses on optimizing the first unilateral cleft lip surgery, considered crucial in the process of intervention and rehabilitation of patients, mainly infants,” explained Peñaloza Mantilla. This surgery not only has a profound functional and esthetic impact, but also defines the success of future procedures. “The main objective is to reduce complications and guarantee a high quality intervention that facilitates follow-up and recovery,” Dr. Peñaloza Mantilla pointed out, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach that involves multiple disciplines and constant accompaniment of the families.
This model has been successfully validated by plastic surgeons and residents, who highlight its realism, durability and educational value, positively impacting surgical planning and the professional’s confidence.
The UIS: Forging the Future of Medicine with Passion and Commitment
These achievements are not only a recognition for the Universidad Industrial de Santander; they are a resounding testament to its unwavering commitment to cutting-edge research and the training of professionals capable of transforming modern medicine. The distinction in ISAPS 2025 confirms the role of the UIS as an epicenter of innovation and academic excellence in Latin America.
Dr. Camilo Peñaloza Mantilla’s message to the young people of the country resonates with strength and hope: “Although interests may be diverse, the problems they face as students and health professionals are common, and working as a team makes it possible to achieve significant advances for the benefit of all”. A call for unity, collaboration and perseverance that encourages the new generations to build a future where science and humanism walk hand in hand.
