Operation Smile

We are excited to announce a film produced for Operation Smile by BBC StoryWorks Works as part of the #BeyondTheCode series! Earlier this year, the BBC StoryWorks team filmed with us in Musanze, Rwanda, to capture how we are using AI technology to transform the surgical evaluation process for cleft conditions. This film highlights the life-changing impact of our work and demonstrates our commitment to advancing health equity through innovation. We are dedicated to creating sustainable solutions and driving innovations to ensure that all of our patients have access to the safe, high-quality care they deserve. A special thank you to everyone involved in this project, including Microsoft, Partnership on AI, University of Rwanda, Rwandan Ministry of Health, the Ruhengeri Hospital, and Musanze District for their support in making our work and this film possible. Watch the film and learn more about how AI is shaping the future of cleft care: https://lnkd.in/d37XXdqK #OperationSmile #ad #BeyondTheCode

Last month, Operation Smile in Madagascar hosted a surgical program in Mahajanga, bringing together volunteers, staff, and student teams to provide life-changing care and support for our patients and their families. During the program, we launched our inaugural #psychosocial bootcamp, led by newly credentialed psychosocial providers and trainees, further enhancing our comprehensive approach to patient care. Central to this effort were our student volunteers, whose meaningful contributions exemplified our commitment to fostering the leaders of tomorrow. Their dedication and actions made a lasting impact, supporting the programs success by teaching essential #healthcare skills such as CPR and oral hygiene. They also provided emotional support through activities like reading books, playing games, and helping patients relax during their evaluations. Our student volunteers also extended their impact beyond the program, demonstrating #advocacy, a core pillar of our #studentprograms. During a visit to a local high school in Mahajanga, they shared information about Operation Smile, inspired support for our mission, and worked alongside local students on creative fundraising ideas. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and student teams who made this program a success. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of our patients and their communities. To learn more about our student programs, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eFfsgbxh

The Pan-African Surgical Conference (#PASC2025) is now accepting abstract submissions for presentations, workshops, and poster sessions! Join us to share your research, innovations, and insights that will shape the future of surgery in Africa. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with global experts and contribute to the conversation on improving surgical education and health care delivery across the continent. Submit your abstract today: https://lnkd.in/eGuPdPRn #OperationSmile #HealthEquity

At Operation Smile, we are committed to strengthening local health care capacity through education and training. Highlighted in a film recently produced by BBC StoryWorks, our AI pilot tool is helping identify potential cleft surgeons to serve as educators and mentors, expanding and sustaining local #healthcare expertise. This innovative approach amplifies the impact of our volunteer network, creating a multiplier effect in training and #education that benefits entire regions. By continuously strengthening local health care capacity, we ensure that more families have access to the care they need—not just today, but for generations to come. Discover how we’re shaping the future of cleft care: https://lnkd.in/d37XXdqK #OperationSmile #BeyondTheCode

Join us on December 3 at 3:00 PM UTC for an enlightening Operation Smile Academy live #webinar featuring Dr. Alexie Puran, MD, MS, FAAP, FACEP, CPXP, a pediatric emergency medicine physician with the Physician Affiliate Group of New York, P.C. (PAGNY) and NYC Health + Hospitals – Harlem. In this session, “Optimizing Outcomes for Orofacial Cleft Conditions: A Post-Surgery Focus,” Dr. Puran will explore key post-surgery considerations, including desired outcomes, factors that influence these outcomes, a review of relevant literature and research, an assessment of patient-reported outcomes, and the application of these principles in low-resource countries. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills! Register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/eWf6nAgi Sign up for an Operation Smile Academy account to receive a certificate of attendance: https://lnkd.in/egH3ZCDh

We are excited to announce the Pan-African Surgical Conference, happening 24 – 28 February 2025 in Rwanda. The conference, themed "Building Resilient and Sustainable Surgical Services in Africa," is created by and for the Pan-African surgical community. It will bring together leading academics, policymakers, global surgery experts and other stakeholders to address critical challenges and share opportunities generally in surgery on the continent. The event is organized conjointly by Operation Smile, Rwanda Surgical Society, the University of Rwanda, and the Rwanda Ministry of Health. For further details about the first Pan-African Surgical Conference, please see our press release: https://lnkd.in/eUjC4Jkw #OperationSmile #PASC2025

Operation Smile is making a tremendous impact by providing life-changing surgeries and comprehensive care to children with cleft conditions. With the support of Microsoft, they are leveraging advanced technologies to enhance their mission and reach more children in need. From virtual consultations to innovative surgical planning, Operation Smile is transforming lives and bringing smiles to countless faces around the world. Their dedication to building a brighter future for these children is truly heroic. Click the link to read the full story: https://msft.it/6040WQZK6 You can also join Operation Smile at Microsoft Ignite to discover how nonprofits can leverage AI with Microsoft Fabric. Learn how to streamline data, adopt AI, and create a roadmap for success while hearing real-world insights from their journey. Click the link to learn more: https://msft.it/6041WQZKB #MicrosoftIgnite #OperationSmile #HealthcareHeroes #TransformingLives #MicrosoftSupport #InnovationInHealthcare #GlobalImpact #AIforGood #AzureOpenAI #Nonprofit #TechForGood

📢 Join us to celebrate the launch of Operation Smile Norge in Partnership with The Conduit Oslo. This event promises to be a dynamic and thought-provoking evening! "Transforming Health Systems in Underserved Communities." ✨ Event Details: 📅 Date: Wednesday, November 27th 🕓 Time: 16:30 📍 Location: The Conduit Oslo, Kristian Augusts Gate 21 We’ll discuss the vital role of expanding healthcare access through capacity development, strengthening systems, and leveraging the power of AI. It’s an opportunity to connect, gain insights learn, and understand how our work uplifts both individuals and entire communities. 🏥 🗣 SPEAKERS: Torgrim Isaksen, MD | Sharmini Alagaratnam | Golda K. | Martin Bloma | Juliet Young | Morten Kildal | Tish Gilbert | Astrid Sundberg | Bernadetta Kumar | Pernille Lindholm | 📌 Register Here: https://lnkd.in/dtpQyEf8 | Operation Smile | The Conduit | Kirsten Sartz | Benedetta Spinola Martini | 📹 Credit: Jhoanna Mae S. Guevara (The Conduit)

It was just last November that the Beast Philanthropy team joined us in Puebla, Mexico, where they witnessed firsthand the life-changing work of our organization. This collaboration resulted in a powerful video that beautifully showcases the transformative impact of our mission. Since its release, the video has resonated with viewers, garnering over 35 million views on YouTube! A huge thank you to Beast Philanthropy for their unwavering support in raising awareness about the life-changing care we provide. Together, we're making a lasting difference—creating smiles, transforming lives, and fostering positive change on a global scale. https://lnkd.in/eZ4zKw_e #OperationSmile #BeastPhilanthropySmiles

We are thrilled to share that Operation Smile has been named a winner of the 4th annual Anthem Awards! Selected from over 2,300 submissions, Operation Smile received a Silver Anthem Award in the Partnership or Collaboration: Health category for our collaboration with Beast Philanthropy, which shines a light on our life-changing work. With thousands of projects entered from 34 countries around the globe, The Anthem Awards are the largest and most comprehensive awards honoring social impact work.  Congratulations to all the winners! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this partnership and this video possible. Thank you to everyone who voted for us, including all our incredible staff and volunteers, whose dedication made this possible. Together, we are creating a lasting impact.      Join us in celebrating this award and visit the Winners Gallery to learn more. https://lnkd.in/epAYacxE     #OperationSmile #GlobalHealth #AnthemAwards