Global Dermatology Collaboration Takes Root: Brawijaya University Faculty Visits Father Muller Institutions under GPEC Initiative
Mangaluru, May 5, 2025: In a landmark moment for international medical collaboration, the Department of Dermatology at Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) hosted Prof. Dr. Dehlya Widasmara, Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetic Medicine at Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital – Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia. The visit was part of the prestigious Global Partnerships for Education and Care (GPEC) programme.
The GPEC programme, an initiative of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), aims to enhance global standards in dermatological education and care by fostering collaborative partnerships between select institutions. Father Muller Medical College Hospital is proud to be one of only 12 institutions worldwide chosen for this two-year ILDS-funded collaboration. It has been paired with Brawijaya University, a leading centre for dermatological education in Indonesia.
The welcome ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), who warmly welcomed the guest and addressed the gathering. In his address, Fr Richard emphasized the value of international collaborations, noting that the exchange of ideas, faculty, and students can deepen global understanding of skin diseases—especially in the context of emerging challenges and regional variations in dermatological care.
He commended Dr Ramesh Bhat, senior dermatologist and Head of FMRC, crediting his leadership for FMMC’s selection as a global partner—a testament to the department’s historic and ongoing contributions. Fr Richard also reflected on FMCI’s legacy in leprosy care and the Dermatology Department’s impactful work in managing neglected tropical diseases, combining clinical excellence with community service and academic rigor.
He further highlighted the department’s legacy, noting that its Postgraduate programme began in 1991—six years before the launch of the MBBS course in 1997—a distinction shared by only two other institutions in India.
Also present at the event were Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo (Director-Designate, FMCI), Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza (Dean), Rev. Fr Ajith B Menezes (Administrator, FMMC), Rev. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira (Administrator, FMMCH), Dr Venkatesh B M (Vice Dean), and Dr Uday Kumar (Medical Superintendent), along with senior faculty and staff from the Dermatology Department.
Prof. Dr. Dehlya Widasmara, the visiting faculty member from Indonesia, was introduced as a leading figure in dermatological innovation and education. Her expertise spans AI applications in dermatology, tropical skin diseases, and public health education. Her accolades include the MURI Award for the longest live skin education broadcast, innovation awards for her creations such as DAMBAKU Lotion (a neem-based treatment for scabies), and the INSERT app, an AI tool for scabies detection. She has authored several books and scientific articles and has presented at major global dermatology congresses.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, her colleagues Dr Lita Setyowatie and Dr Nurrahama Wahyu Fitriyani could not attend the visit. Special appreciation was extended to Dr Ramesh Bhat for his foresight and initiative in applying for the GPEC programme on behalf of the institution.
During the event, Prof. Dr Michelle Fernandes presented a comprehensive report on departmental and student development initiatives, while Prof. Dr Rochelle Monteiro, the secondary GPEC programme lead, shared insights into ongoing collaborative efforts between the two partner institutions.
The GPEC partnership includes virtual educational sessions, shared access to the GPEC Knowledge Hub, and reciprocal in-person visits—all designed to foster meaningful academic exchange and collaborative research in dermatology.
About Brawijaya University
Universitas Brawijaya, established in 1963 in Malang, Indonesia, is one of the country’s top-ranked universities. It is renowned for its medical faculty and pioneering contributions to healthcare innovation and tropical dermatology.
About Father Muller Charitable Institutions
Founded in 1880 by Rev. Fr Augustus Muller, FMCI is a beacon of medical care and education in India. The Department of Dermatology at FMMCH has a long-standing reputation for excellence in clinical care, research, and academic leadership—particularly in the treatment of leprosy, pigmentary disorders, and infectious skin diseases. The department has been honored multiple times with the Best Department Award by IADVL Karnataka and continues to serve as a regional centre of excellence.
This exchange marks a new chapter in FMCI’s global outreach—bridging borders for better skin health and stronger academic ties across continents.
