Operation Smile

We are excited to announce our film produced for Operation Smile by BBC StoryWorks Works as part of the #BeyondTheCode series! Earlier this year, the BBC StoryWorks team filmed with us in Musanze, Rwanda, to capture how we are using AI technology to transform the surgical evaluation process for cleft conditions. This film highlights the life-changing impact of our work and demonstrates our commitment to advancing health equity through innovation. We are dedicated to creating sustainable solutions and driving innovations to ensure that all of our patients have access to the safe, high-quality care they deserve. A special thank you to everyone involved in this project, including Microsoft, Partnership on AI, University of Rwanda, Rwandan Ministry of Health, the Ruhengeri Hospital, and Musanze District for their support in making our work and this film possible. Watch the film and learn more about how AI is shaping the future of cleft care: https://lnkd.in/d37XXdqK #OperationSmile #ad #BeyondTheCode

Meet Dr. Caroline Yao, Senior Vice President of Research and Patient Metrics at Operation Smile, who was featured in our latest film produced by BBC StoryWorks. At the forefront of our pilot project integrating artificial intelligence into cleft care, Dr. Yao is dedicated to advancing #healthequity, leading innovative efforts to make cleft care more accessible worldwide. In a recent Q&A, Dr. Yao shared insights into her work and its role in advancing #globalhealth. Through our partnership with Microsoft’s AI For Good initiative, Operation Smile has developed an AI tool that supports surgical teams in patient and outcome assessments. This technology is particularly valuable in regions with limited access to specialized cleft care, enabling health care professionals to provide diagnoses and guidance to patients and their families, even without extensive cleft expertise. As Dr. Yao explains, “AI and technology can help spread information about cleft—not just diagnosis, but teaching and showing people our experiences and our vast knowledge just becomes easier.” By harnessing AI’s potential, we can bridge gaps in knowledge and resources, ensuring that more patients receive the care they deserve. To learn more about Dr. Yao’s impactful work, check out the full Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/efja2yc7 #OperationSmile #BeyondTheCode

Last week, we attended the first South African Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshop (CCCW) in Cape Town, South Africa. Organized by the Global Smile Foundation in collaboration with Operation Smile, ABMSS, University of Cape Town, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Smile Foundation SA, KARL STORZ, CranioRehab, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Make Medical, Mohamed and Suzie Daher, and American Airlines, this event brought together over 150 healthcare professionals, including 40 African surgeons, educators, and trainees from our Operation Smile surgical education and cleft surgery training programs.    Participants engaged in discussions, exploring the unique challenges of providing comprehensive #cleftcare in Africa, surgical management and interdisciplinary approaches, including surgery, psychosocial care, dentistry and orthodontics, pediatrics and speech pathology. The event also featured a live-streamed surgery, providing real-time insights into complex procedures, alongside hands-on simulation sessions and roundtable discussions.      We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Global Smile Foundation team, our valued partners, and dedicated medical volunteers, including Prof. Anil Madaree, Dr. Mekonen Abebe, and Prof. Salome Maswime, as well as Operation Smile South Africa and our Global Medical Education and Regional teams for making this possible. Together, we can strengthen #healthsystems and advance cleft care across Africa.      #OperationSmile #CCCW24 

Join us on November 5 at 3:00 PM UTC for an insightful Operation Smile Academy #webinar featuring Shamim nabuuma Kaliisa, Co-Founder and CEO of Chil Femtech Center. Shamim, a 2023 Forbes Africa Youth Icon Award winner, cancer survivor, and social entrepreneur, has revolutionized cancer care in low-resource communities, providing over 150,000 women worldwide with AI-powered cancer diagnostics and online oncology services.    In this session, titled "AI-Powered Innovations in Global Surgery: Bridging the Gap in Low-Resource Settings," Shamim will explore how artificial intelligence can bridge critical gaps in surgical care across low-resource settings. Drawing from her experiences growing up in rural Uganda, she will share her journey in pioneering impactful #healthcare solutions for under-resourced communities.    Register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/eA6-jz8M      Sign up for an Operation Smile Academy account to receive a certificate of attendance: https://lnkd.in/egH3ZCDh  

We are excited to share that our colleagues have published an insightful article in PRS Global Open, highlighting the significance of educational initiatives in global plastic surgery. The piece emphasizes the role of our Global Surgery Speaker Series (GSSS) as a vital resource for enhancing knowledge, #advocacy, and professional development in the field.      The authors discuss how the GSSS addresses critical issues, such as the development of National Surgical Obstetrical and Anesthesia Plans in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and explores innovative solutions to #healthcare delivery challenges. They also advocate for stronger #partnerships and increased funding for training programs, which are essential for improving access to surgical care in LMICs. At Operation Smile, we are committed to advancing #globalsurgery through initiatives like the GSSS, which fosters collaboration among #healthcare professionals and enhances the skills of future surgeons. We recognize that building equitable health systems requires continuous education, advocacy, and community engagement.      Thank you to Ulrick Sidney Kanmounye, Desmond Tanko Jumbam, Ruben Ayala and Dr.Alice Umutoni, for their invaluable contributions. Together, we can shape a future where everyone has access to essential surgical care. Read the full article to explore the opportunities and challenges in global surgery:  https://lnkd.in/e49b_w5S 

We are excited to share that Operation Smile is an #AnthemAwards Finalist and we’re in the running to win a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Anthem Award for our life-changing work! We can also win an #AnthemCommunityVoiceAward, but we need your help. Show your support for our work by voting for Operation Smile at celebrate.anthemawards.com so that we can showcase how we are bridging the gap in access to care! Voting is open now through Thursday, October 31st, at 11:59 pm PT.  We appreciate your support! #OperationSmile #GlobalHealth The Anthem Awards

At Operation Smile, we are committed to providing gold standard care. This means leading with innovation and compassion, breaking down barriers to care, and making it easier for our patients and their families to access the care they deserve—creating a lasting impact on the communities we serve, as highlighted in our recently released film, produced by BBC StoryWorks. By piloting innovative AI technology in our surgical evaluation processes, we help healthcare providers set clear expectations for families about their child's cleft condition, the number of surgeries needed, and recovery times, making the treatment journey easier to navigate. Watch the film to see how we are transforming cleft care through innovation: https://lnkd.in/d37XXdqK #OperationSmile #BeyondTheCode

Operation Smile relies on the tireless advocacy of dedicated philanthropists like Ratan Naval Tata to extend our programs to more children living with cleft conditions. Our co-founders, Kathy Magee and Dr. William P. Magee, Jr., DDS, MD, along with the rest of our team at Operation Smile, were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Tata. The Tata Trusts provided ongoing financial support to open and operate our comprehensive cleft care center in Guwahati, India. Mr. Tata’s unwavering advocacy for high-quality health care for the children of India has brought thousands of new smiles. His dedication enabled our patients to access life-changing care, transforming their lives and giving them brighter futures. We will always be grateful for his visionary leadership, generous support, and steadfast commitment, which have positively impacted countless lives. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

How much do you know about cleft conditions? At Operation Smile, we’re dedicated to bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care for children around the world.    We invite you to test your own knowledge with our informative quiz! Discover key facts about cleft conditions and learn how Operation Smile is transforming lives and making a lasting impact on our patients and their communities.    Take the quiz today and become a cleft champion! https://lnkd.in/eGp_26Eh #OperationSmile #CleftAwareness #HealthforAll

Last month, our Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, Dr. Ruben Ayala, spoke at Devex’s summit held during #UNGA79. During this insightful session, he addressed the critical challenges in accessing surgical care in low- and middle-income countries, shedding light on the innovative strategies we’re using to close this gap.  In his discussion with Devex Editorial Director, Richard Jones, Dr. Ayala emphasized that cultural, geographical, and financial barriers often prevent individuals from receiving the life-changing care they need. He highlighted how Operation Smile is building the capacity of local health systems, investing in health workers through training and professional development, and bringing care closer to under-resourced communities.  Dr. Ayala also stressed that strengthening health systems is not just about improving immediate care—it’s about creating sustainable solutions that promote dignity and opportunity for future generations. Through collaboration, investment, and innovative approaches, we can ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable care.  To learn more and watch full session, check out the link here: https://lnkd.in/eZfaVaRM  #GlobalHealth #HealthEquity #HealthforAll