The Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship program at Indiana University School of Medicine is committed to training the next generation of leaders in craniofacial surgery. Our program offers a rich clinical environment, a broad range of surgical experiences and a diverse patient population, all set within the vibrant and dynamic healthcare community of Indianapolis. Our fellowship has obtained preliminary accreditation from the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons, with plans to obtain full accreditation in the coming year.
Application Requirements
Applicants must have completed an accredited plastic surgery residency or fellowship in the U.S. or Canada. Eligible candidates must submit the ASCFS Craniofacial Fellowship Universal Application and register for the San Francisco Match.
Program Highlights
High Clinical Volume
The Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship program provides fellows with extensive exposure to a high-volume, diverse patient base. Fellows will participate in over 300 craniofacial surgeries annually, including but not limited to:
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40+ cleft lip and palate repair cases a year
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30+ craniosynostosis correction reconstructions a year
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Microtia reconstruction
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Facial trauma reconstruction
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Facial feminization
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Brachial plexus reconstruction
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Advanced peripheral nerve reconstruction including corneal neurotization
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Secondary cleft lip and nose reconstruction
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Orthognathic surgery
Our fellows are hands-on in the operating room from the first day, participating in complex surgeries across a broad spectrum of craniofacial disorders, allowing for a comprehensive and diverse learning experience.
Education Experience
Our program is designed not only to provide clinical expertise but also to foster leadership and academic growth.
As a fellow, you will be:
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Mentored by faculty experts: The craniofacial team at IU includes world-renowned surgeons with vast experience in the field, offering direct mentorship and guidance.
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Involved in research: Fellows have opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects, advancing the field of craniofacial surgery. We are particularly focused on innovations in reconstructive techniques, outcomes analysis, and patient quality of life.
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Contributing to education: Fellows will also have the opportunity to teach residents and medical students, contributing to the academic environment at IU School of Medicine.
Diverse Surgical Opportunities
At IU School of Medicine, we believe in the importance of exposure to a variety of surgical techniques and patient cases.
The program offers:
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Pediatric craniofacial surgery: Our fellows work closely with pediatric specialists to manage congenital deformities, including craniosynostosis, cleft lip/palate and facial malformations.
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Adult craniofacial surgery: Our faculty are experts in adult craniofacial procedures, including reconstructive surgery for trauma patients and gender affirming surgery.
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Multidisciplinary collaboration: Fellows are encouraged to collaborate with professionals from various specialties, including plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery and otolaryngology. This multi-disciplinary approach offers a well-rounded understanding of craniofacial conditions and their treatment.
Clinical Rotations and Surgical Training
Throughout the fellowship, you will rotate across several key clinical settings, including:
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Riley Hospital for Children: This is one of the largest and most comprehensive pediatric facilities in Indiana, serving a large patient population
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IU Health Methodist Hospital: Level I Trauma Center offering extensive exposure to facial trauma reconstruction
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Eskenazi Health: Level I Trauma Center offering exposure to facial trauma reconstruction
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Outpatient clinics: Fellows will engage with patients in a busy outpatient setting, diagnosing and developing treatment plans for a range of craniofacial conditions.
Craniofacial Fellowship Program Graduates
- John van Aalst, MD - Private practice, Louisville, KY
- Gregory Pearson, MD - Nationwide Children’s in Columbus, OH
- Craig Hurst, MD - Private practice, Tucson, AZ
- Arno Schleich, MD - Private practice, Trinidad
- Grant Fairbanks, MD - Private practice, Utah
- Shawkat Sati, MD - Private practice, Jordan
- Sunil Tholpady, MD, PhD - Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN
- Michael Friel, MD - Ochsner Children’s Health, New Orleans
- Melinda Costa, MD - Private practice, San Jose, CA
- (Shawn) Travis Greathouse, MD - Reid Health, Richmond, IN
- Sarah Fernandez, MD - Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, FL
- Stephanie Bray, MD, MS - Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital, Albany, NY
- Fatih Zor, MD - Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Why choose IU School of Medicine for your craniofacial surgery fellowship?
Comprehensive surgical training: Exposure to a high volume of surgeries, with a wide array of pathologies and patient demographics.
Multidisciplinary team approach: Experience working in collaboration with a team of experts from various specialties for a comprehensive treatment approach.
Research opportunities: Fellows are encouraged to engage in meaningful research projects aimed at advancing the field of craniofacial surgery.
Indiana University’s rich academic tradition: As part of one of the nation's leading academic medical centers, fellows will benefit from a rigorous academic environment with robust teaching, research and clinical exposure.
International opportunities: Well-established international experience with the AMPATH consortium in Eldoret, Kenya.
Learn more about IU School of Medicine’s Graduate Medical Education program, including details on stipends, benefits, policies and more.
Transforming lives through comprehensive craniofacial care and training
The IU School of Medicine Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship is supported by the endowed Von Deilen-Curtis Fellowship, reflecting a longstanding commitment to academic excellence in craniofacial surgery education and training.