Educational Programs

Mission-based Medical Education

Operation Smile delivers training during its international medical missions. These opportunities range from a formal medical conference to an informal workshop on a specific skill or technique. The programs are designed to meet the needs of the healthcare facilities that host missions and of the healthcare providers from partner countries. Certain team members are selected to engage in this educational role which they perform before, during or after the surgical mission. At times, the team includes guest educators who are internationally recognized in their fields. These programs can benefit individuals and small groups, as well as large numbers of participants.

Clinical Observerships

Operation Smile Australia sponsors observerships for health care professionals from Operation Smile’s mission countries.

Research Program

Through Operation Smile’s Research Council, doctors and researchers are collaborating globally to improve the future for children born with facial deformities. The Operation Smile Institutional Review Board (IRB), following stipulations of the federal government, reviews and fund selected research projects. The Board works in conjunction with the Research Council that is focused on the prevention and treatment of birth defects through education, nutrition, pre-natal care, new medicines and new equipment. During the World Journey of Smiles, Operation Smile conducted a research project:
DNA samples collected from 3,014 patients in 11 countries;
To be analyzed and screened with the hope of identifying the genetic markers that differentiate people with cleft lips or cleft palates.

Programs