Hanoi, Vietnam, June 25, 2025 -I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association for the incredible opportunity to serve as a visiting scholar in the United States in 2025. This experience was truly transformative for my academic and clinical work. I deeply appreciate the support and resources provided by ACPA, which allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. At two host sites [Fogelson Plastic Surgery and Craniofacial Center for Children and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cleft/Craniofacial Program], I had the chance to meet many famous Professors including Dr. Alex Kane, Dr. Jame Seaward, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Oksana Jackson, Dr. Jordan Swanson.
I learned new techniques of cleft surgeries such as:
- Cleft lip repair with primary rhinoplasty ( expose the septum and suture with periosteal)
- Cleft Rhinoplasty: Reposition of septum, septal-extension graft
- tongue reduction
- Pharyngeal flap
- Primary cleft lip repair with Vomerin flap closure
- Primary cleft palate with Buccal flap
- Onlay rib graft to mandible for hemifacial microsomia with ortho-splint
- Primary palate repair – Furlow palatoplasty
This knowledge is very valuable for me and I can apply it to my practice in Vietnam. I look forward to continuing my connection with ACPA and contributing to the important mission of improving care for individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions.
With sincere gratitude,
Lan Nguyen
