Closing the gap: surgical training rotations in Rwanda
Dr. Faustin Ntirenganya isn’t one to mince his words when it comes to surgical care in his homeland of Rwanda. “Don’t fish for us, teach us how to fish —…
Madagascar
A passion for Malagasy smiles
True passion is a rare and precious thing. In the case of Andriarimalala Solo Radaoroson, his passion for Operation Smile’s work in Madagascar changed not only his life, but numerous…
Ghana
Clement’s “why”
It’s nearing the end of a long day – the first day of surgeries during Operation Smile’s November 2017 medical mission at Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua, Ghana. After 15…
Philippines
John Ryan Yap: dedicated to children’s care
Programme Coordinator Samantha Devito sat down with John Ryan Yap, a recovery room nurse from the Philippines, during a recent medical mission. Read on for a question- and answer-style interview…
Kenya
Dr. Charles Kabetu’s story
Dr. Kabetu’s introduction with Operation Smile happened by accident, as he calls it. He walked into work one morning to see his name was on a list posted in the…
Philippines
Discovering the causes of cleft: part 1
Whether traveling from surrounding villages or distant islands, families in the Philippines seeking cleft surgeries for their children must sacrifice precious time and resources to reach Operation Smile medical mission…
United States
Shandra Kight: feeling a sense of belonging
The bus stopped outside the gates of Miller Adventist Hospital in Cebu City. Dozens of medical and non-medical volunteers filed off the bus and onto the hospital grounds taking photos…
Ethiopia
The solution
Her name means “solution.” The moment Meheftehe was born, she was in desperate need of just that. Meheftehe suffered from a severe facial cleft which extended from her right eye…