From the Joseph Society to a pan-European academy
Founded in 1977, the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery has grown from a pioneering circle of European surgeons into the continent’s leading institution for facial plastic surgery education, certification, and professional development.
First known as the European Academy of Facial Surgery, we became the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery with formalized governance, expanded membership, and a growing international reach across 23+ countries.
Meet our leadership
A community built on people
In 1981, a young surgeon joined the clinic of Claus Walter in Düsseldorf and became a member of the Academy ever since. Decades later, following the passing of Tony Bull in 2016, that same surgeon tracked down a 91-year-old Air Vice Marshall near Swindon and uncovered a 1991 lecture that remains one of the Academy’s most treasured historical documents. Behind every institution are the people who give it meaning.
Watch the 1991 DGMS Lecture
Scientific advancement
Rigorous evidence, peer-reviewed research, and continuous refinement of surgical technique and patient outcomes.
Pan-European community
Surgeons from more than 23 countries, united by collaboration, shared expertise, and a common focus on face and neck surgery.
Multidisciplinary excellence
Bringing together ORL, maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery under one roof.
Next generation
Mentorship, fellowship, and education programmes supporting surgeons at every stage of their career.
Key milestones
1977
Establishment of the Joseph Society
Governance
Comprehensive byelaws, committees, and democratic leadership frameworks
International recognition
EAFPS becomes the authoritative European voice for facial plastic surgery standards
70+ countries
National Delegates system established across Europe and beyond
Education
Launch of the Fellowship Programme, European Rhinoplasty Masterclass, and International Observership Candidate Programme
2022
Establishment of the EBEC-FPRS Board Examination, under the auspices of UEMS
Today
EAFPS Juniors section, diversity and mentorship initiatives, next-generation development
The story of Claus Walter…
When Tony Bull passed away in April 2016 ,Claus Walter sent a handwritten letter to all members of the Academy. In that letter he mentioned the name of Air Vice Marshall Manus Moran, who had intoduced him to Tony Bull. To most of the members that was a mysterious name.
In 1981 I worked in the clinic of Claus Walter in Düsseldorf, and I am a member of the Academy eversince. But I also did not know him. So I looked him up in an old Directory from 2001 and just phoned the number. I was very surprised to hear his voice loud and clear! He agreed that I would come along to interview him. So I flew from Amsterdam to meet him a few days ago in his home near Swindon. Although he has reached the age of 91, he was alive and kicking. His wife Maureen had already prepared a beautiful four- course lunch and we drank a cooled bottle of dry Mosel wine with it.
He explained that he was in the Royal Air Force as an ENT doctor and stationed at Wegberg near Düsseldorf where he met Claus Walter. They became close friends and in 1991 he invited Claus over to England to give a lecture about his work. He handed over to me a video about the lecture, in which he gives a clear introduction of Claus before he spoke. This video is of big historical interest to all members of the EAFPS, because not only do we see Claus as we always knew him, but also the mystery of the Air Vice Marshall Manus Moran has been cleared now.
Jan de Jong, Woerden – Holland
Preserving our legacy
The History Committee composed of past presidents and dedicated members documents the Academy’s evolution, maintains our archives, and ensures the achievements of previous decades inform our future direction.
