Press Release
January 2nd, 2026
On behalf of the Zetta Association, we have the honor of awarding the
1. Award for International Medical Excellence and Contribution to the Advancement of Medicine in Romania
to
Daniel Murariu, M.D. (University of Hawaii; Hawaii Aesthetics & Robotic Plastic Surgery), Peter Deptula, M.D. (University of Hawaii), Christopher Campbell, M.D. (University of Virginia Health System)
in recognition of their outstanding medical excellence, innovative surgical achievements, and pioneering contribution to the advancement of reconstructive surgery in Romania, marked by the first breast reconstruction procedures using robotic-assisted DIEP flap harvesting performed in the country (and in Eastern Europe also).
This distinction honors a landmark achievement in Romanian medicine, reflecting vision, technical mastery, and the courage to introduce cutting-edge technologies, while aligning local surgical practice with the highest international standards in microsurgery and breast reconstruction.
By successfully implementing robotic-assisted DIEP flap harvesting, Dr. Daniel Murariu and his colleagus have contributed not only to improved surgical precision and patient outcomes, but also to the modernization of reconstructive breast surgery in Romania, opening new perspectives for innovation, education, and future clinical development.
In recognition of this collective advancement in Romanian reconstructive surgery, the Award for Medical Excellence will also be conferred, during the same Gala, upon their Romanian collaborators, Dr. Vlad Pieptu (University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași) and Dr. Maximilian Muntean (University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca), whose professional excellence and contributions further strengthen the national framework of advanced breast reconstruction and microsurgery.
2. The Award for International Excellence in Microsurgery
To
Andrei Odobescu, M.D., Ph.D (University of Texas Southwestern)
in recognition of his outstanding international excellence in reconstructive microsurgery and for achieving a historic professional milestone as the first surgeon of Romanian origin to receive the Godina Award of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery.
This distinction honors a level of surgical mastery, scientific contribution, and professional integrity that meets the highest international standards in microsurgery. The Godina Award represents one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field, reserved for surgeons whose work has had a profound impact on reconstructive microsurgery worldwide.
Through this achievement, Dr. Andrei Odobescu has not only advanced the frontiers of microsurgical practice but has also serving as a source of inspiration for younger generations of Romanian surgeons and as a powerful example of excellence built through rigor, innovation, and perseverance.
By conferring this award, the Zetta Association expresses its deep respect, admiration, and gratitude for a career that demonstrates that true excellence in medicine transcends borders and elevates entire professional communities.
The awards will be formally presented during a special Gala held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Romanian Athenaeum, Romania’s foremost cultural stage, in the presence of distinguished figures from the medical, educational, artistic, and economic spheres of Romania.
Through these distinctions, the Zetta Association expresses its deep respect, admiration, and gratitude toward professionals whose work exemplifies innovation, excellence, and commitment to the progress of medicine in Romania. For further media inquiries/information please contact Zetta Association.
Dragos Zamfirescu, M.D., Ph.D
Zetta Association
