Smile Train Scholar Reports

Rose Alenyo, MD

Uganda | Smile Train Scholar

Why did you want to be a Smile Train International Scholar?

I wanted to be a Smile Train International Scholar to have more exposure and see how cleft and other craniofacial care is done in an advanced center. Also, to see how a multidisciplinary approach is done, to see how comprehensive care improves the outcome off a surgery, to be able to develop a network with other senior plastic surgeons and to develop a network about research.

How has working with Smile Train improved cleft care in Uganda?

First, it trained most of the local cleft surgeons and other members we have. It established treatment centers from over 10 centers. It has facilitated access by supporting the whole process including supply of equipment, nutrition, speech and the needed training. So many cleft babies now have access to surgery at the appropriate age and can now have a life and start their school on time. Survival rate for palate babies has improved. Further training has helped improve outcomes. We have established one center with comprehensive care and I'm in the process of establishing more. We, the cleft team, have been given the chance to see things in the nicer centers and this improved our skills. It exposed us to the world of cleft surgery. Research has been introduced so that we have started to slowly do some of our own research. Thank you, and we have received a lot of support even as individuals to be able to deliver the services for which we are so grateful.

Sundereshwer Sood, MD

India | Smile Train Scholar

Why did you want to be a Smile Train International Scholar?

We all know that Smile Train has benefited millions of cleft children in many parts of the world, what is not talked about very often is how it alters the surgeon's life as well. Smile Train offers an opportunity to large volume cleft cases enabling the surgeon to excel in this field. Living a frog's life in depth of a well oblivious of the rest of the world does not serve any purpose, being an international scholar helps in international exposure which tells me the areas I am good in and those in which I need to improve. It's a step towards evolving into a better surgeon.

How has working with Smile Train improved cleft care in India?

Smile Train has revolutionized cleft care in India. In Delhi where I work, Smile Train centers are the only centers offering comprehensive cleft care, the quality of treatment at these places is substantially superior to that at other places, though we continue to make all efforts to help the poorest of the poor, the fact that the rich are also walking into our private wards paying for the same treatment that the charity delivers free for poor stand as testimony to the faith people have in our abilities. It's my firm belief that the future of cleft management and research that needs to happen will have substantial contributions from Smile Train Centers.

Lourna Leah Velasco-Victorio, MD

Philippines | Smile Train Scholar

Why did you want to be a Smile Train International Scholar?

Working with cleft patients, I believe it is my duty to learn more to be able to give them the best options for treatment. I want to see how we can adapt the treatment modalities in first world countries to ours. I think observing and conversing with more experienced surgeons on their experiences is a good way to do this.

How has working with Smile Train improved cleft care in Philippines?

Smile Train provides funding for surgery for cleft patients which is a big help especially for a majority of our patients whose families live hand-to-mouth. These children would not be able to receive the surgery if not for smile train. They also provide speech and dental care for the patients. Smile Train also provides opportunities for training and learning for its volunteers which I think is very admirable and really promotes its advocacy to provide the best service for its beneficiaries.