Current Operation Smile International Scholars
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) / The Plastic Surgery Foundation's (The PSF) International Scholar Program and the Scholar Program of the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS) enables plastic surgeons from abroad to study at host plastic surgery institutions in the United States for three to six months.
Filiberto Alvarez, MD
- Research
- Body contouring
- Facial surgery
- Cleft lips
This experience will improve my knowledge to help my community in Mexico.
Stephanie M.C. Bray, MD, MS, FACS
- Cleft and craniofacial surgery
- Pediatric plastic surgery
- Surgical education
- Community outreach and global medicine
As a junior cleft and craniofacial surgeon, I am honored to be granted the opportunity to become more involved with the international cleft community and gather new insights into cleft care. I believe the International Scholar Program will allow me to gain wisdom and unique perspectives from experienced cleft surgeons around the world. I plan to use these new skills and ideas to become a stronger surgeon for the cleft patients in my community.
Kristopher Hamwi, MD
- Cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face
- Cosmetic and reconstructive procedure of the body
I am very pleased to be chosen for the International Scholars program. I am excited to work with an organization that gives patients from around the world a chance to live normal lives that are healthier and more fulfilling. By working with individuals and families affected by cleft disorders I am reminded of the transformative effect surgery can have on the lives of the people we serve. Operation Smile is renowned for its dedication to providing exceptional care to individuals and communities where it is needed most.
I recently completed a fellowship that focused heavily on cosmetic procedures of the face. I am hoping that I will be able to use my training from residency and fellowship in a philanthropic capacity. Furthermore, as I begin my career I hope to make a meaningful contribution through philanthropy throughout my life and I hope that the International Scholars program will be the first step toward a continued relationship with such organizations.
Jeffrey Lee, MD
- Craniofacial surgery
- Breast surgery
- Body contouring surgery
This program will help me expand the depth and breadth of my plastic surgery knowledge by attending Plastic Surgery The Meeting.
Christian Ledezma Rodríguez, MD
- Cleft lip surgery
- Cleft palate surgery
- Microsurgery
- Body contour
- Facial surgery
The program will help me update and refine the surgical techniques necessary for the care of my patients. I would like to continue being a volunteer in the missions of Operation Smile as part of my professional life.
Bibilash Babu Suseela, MBBS, MS MCH (Plastic Surgery)
- Facial plastic surgery
- Cleft surgery
- Body sculpting
I would love to learn from the best and come back and teach my fellow colleagues and juniors. Cleft surgery is the only other surgery I do out of my aesthetic practice and I am attached to one of the corporate hospitals in my town for cleft surgeries. It would be really great if I could help the cleft children in a better way after the fellowship.