In the next 15 years, 2.2 million more surgeons, anesthetists and obstetricians will be required to ensure that 80% of the world’s population can access safe surgical treatment.
For 40 years, Operation Smile has been working to mitigate the shortage of skilled healthcare providers and build an effective capacity at the local level. Our ongoing commitment to investing in a global network of medical volunteers helped shape our Champions Program.
with Dr. Mauricio Herrera Surgical Champion Colombia (far right) and team.
The Champions Program creates opportunities for our medical volunteers to partner with medical leaders who are on the front lines of cleft surgery and care in their countries. Increasing access to cleft surgery and care means addressing the gaps in the health system that create barriers for patients in need of care. Our Champions allow us to engage with strategic hospital partners, academic institutions and governments and effectively advocate for more equitable access to cleft care.
Every surgical table also serves as an education table. Our global medical volunteers are trained in plastic surgery, anesthesiology, surgical instrumentation, pediatrics, psychology, speech therapy, clinical photography, medical records, dentistry, nursing and more!
Our Champions are mentors, thought leaders, and advocates for the children we serve, and YOU are their CHAMPION too.
Celebrating Our Champions
In Colombia
The first Champions program in Colombia was held in February 2023, in which 18 experts from different specialties from Canada, the USA, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Nicaragua, Peru, and Venezuela, came to Colombia to work with local Champions. They helped strengthen Riohacha’s district hospital and trained more medical volunteers in the northeast region of Colombia, where many of our patients live. During the program, 50 children with cleft lips and cleft palates received medical assessments and cleft surgery.
“I can define the Champions program as The Future because it is how we can offer better care to more children with this condition worldwide. It is very positive to know that, in Colombia, our patients are in the hands of very capable professionals.” – Dr. Michael Bezuhly, Canadian Champion Volunteer (Surgery)
In Bolivia
In March 2023, 100 global medical volunteers participated in Operation Smile’s Champion Program in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. 64 children received life-changing cleft surgery during the program because of caring partners like YOU.
We are grateful for your ongoing partnership with Operation Smile as we work to expand cleft care in Bolivia. Thank you!
In Guatemala
In April 2023, our second Champions Program in Guatemala delivered 23 new smiles to children with cleft lips and cleft palates! Canadian volunteer nurse, Vanessa Espinoza, completed her first Champions program in Escuintla, Guatemala.
Together, with your support and the contributions of our Canadian and global medical volunteers, we are making life-changing differences for children with cleft conditions in Guatemala. Thank you!
