Medical initiatives at Operation Smile include a large number of medical missions at both the local and international levels. Some places require only a physician present to perform surgeries, while other locations need a full complement of medical equipment and support staff. Regardless of where Operation Smile works, physicians use the local language and deliver care in a culturally sensitive manner.
In addition to medical missions, Operation Smile establishes care centers to ensure ongoing medical care in local communities. It also sponsors a number of research programs aimed at improving surgical care and understanding the root cause of cleft. Additionally, the organization advocates for access to basic surgical services and educates local medical professionals on medical and surgical care.
For more information on medical programs at Operation Smile, visit the official website at operationsmile.org.