Operation Smile

US Navy 060704-N-1577S-002 Medical staff from Operation Smile and the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) aboard the Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), perform a cleft lip surgery

Operation Smile is a global non-profit organization dedicated to providing free surgical procedures to children and young adults born with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities. Founded in 1982 by Dr. William P. Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen S. Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker, Operation Smile has grown into a worldwide medical humanitarian organization. It aims to improve the health and lives of patients through access to safe surgery and comprehensive care.

History

Operation Smile was established after the Magees participated in a medical mission in the Philippines in 1982. They were moved by the overwhelming number of children affected by cleft conditions and the lack of medical resources available to them. This experience inspired the Magees to create an organization that would address these needs on a global scale. Since its inception, Operation Smile has conducted medical missions in over 60 countries, bringing together medical volunteers from over 80 countries.

Mission and Impact

The mission of Operation Smile is to provide exceptional surgical care to children and young adults who suffer from cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities, thereby enhancing their quality of life. The organization not only focuses on the surgical treatment of these conditions but also on post-operative care, including speech therapy, dental care, and psychosocial support. Operation Smile emphasizes the importance of building long-term solutions by providing training for local medical professionals and donating medical equipment to the countries it serves.

Medical Missions

Operation Smile's medical missions are at the heart of its operations. These missions involve sending teams of volunteer medical professionals, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other healthcare workers, to provide free surgeries in countries with limited access to medical care. Each mission is carefully planned to ensure that the highest standards of care are met, and that each patient receives a comprehensive treatment plan.

Volunteerism

Volunteers are crucial to the success of Operation Smile. The organization relies on the expertise and dedication of thousands of volunteers from around the world. These individuals donate their time, skills, and resources to support Operation Smile's mission. Volunteers include medical professionals, students, and non-medical volunteers who assist with various tasks during missions, from patient care to logistics.

Funding and Support

Operation Smile's work is made possible through the support of individual donors, corporate partnerships, and grants from foundations. The organization also hosts fundraising events and campaigns to raise awareness and funds for its programs. This financial support is vital for covering the costs of surgeries, medical supplies, and the logistics of conducting international medical missions.

Challenges and Controversies

Like many non-profit organizations, Operation Smile faces challenges, including the need for sustainable funding and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its medical missions. There have been discussions in the global health community about the best approaches to providing care in low-resource settings, including the importance of building local capacity and ensuring that interventions are culturally sensitive and sustainable.

Conclusion

Operation Smile has made a significant impact on the lives of children and young adults around the world by providing them with access to life-changing surgeries. The organization continues to work towards a future where health and dignity are improved through safe surgery.