Recently, we attended the ECPCA Milan 2024 Conference from June 24 to 28. Led by ECPCA President and Scientific Director of our Cleft Lip and Palate Regional Center in Milan, Dr. Maria Costanza Meazzini di Seyssel, the conference provided a platform to share our latest research and innovations in cleft care.
At the conference, we showcased our commitment to advancing #healthequity, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. Our diverse team of over 20 representatives, including some of our Global Surgery Fellows, Health Policy and Advocacy Regional Leads, Regional Directors, Executive Directors, Surgical Training Managers and Business Development Officers, presented and discussed critical topics such as empowering women in medicine, addressing malnutrition in patients with cleft conditions, oral health strategies, and advancing surgical techniques and access. Additionally, our team conducted discussions on building local health capacity in low- and middle-income countries, expanding cleft care globally, and enhancing surgical programs through education and strategic innovations. Through our research, we aim to create a lasting impact by improving care for our patients and their communities, while also contributing knowledge that influences #healthsystems and policies within the #globalhealth and cleft research.
We extend heartfelt thanks to #ECPCA, our presenters, and everyone who contributed to and participated in this successful event. This conference provided a great platform to showcase the impactful work we are doing at Operation Smile and to highlight our current research in the field. Thank you Alyssa Bautista, Shervin Etemad, Daniel David OTOBO (MD)., Jonathan Diaz, MS, Barbara Salazar, Irene Devine Dzirasa, Tatiana Morales, Abhishek Sengupta, Emily M. Jones, Luca Autelitano, David Chong, Patrik Boivie, Pedro Santiago, Greta Davis, MD, and Laura Herrera Gomez.