Event serves to educate, challenge and inspire medical professionals in the cleft and craniofacial space
New York, NY (April 14, 2023) – Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization is pleased to announce its continued support of The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association’s (ACPA) Annual Meeting.
As the International Program Supporter, Smile Train brings a global voice to the table. The nonprofit has paved a path for medical professionals from low-and-middle income countries to participate in the Annual Meeting and share their diverse experience and perspective. In all, 16 cleft providers from 8 countries will be in attendance including several researchers who will host a session.
“Smile Train partners with cleft providers in 70+ countries. Many of these clinicians treat a high-volume of patients with clefts and are experts in their technique, which is even more impressive given that they often operate in a low-resource setting. As ACPA looks to convene interdisciplinary cleft and craniofacial providers at their annual meeting, it’s paramount that diverse voices are given an opportunity to contribute to the conversation. It is important for cleft care professionals from across the globe to interact and learn from each other,” said Dr. Esther Njoroge-Muriithi, Sr. Vice President, Global Medical Programs, Smile Train. “We are so grateful for our partnership with ACPA, and for our combined vision to bolster cleft care across the globe.”
Smile Train and ACPA’s partnership spans more than a decade. This year, ACPA and Smile Train signed a formal agreement to strengthen their collective commitment to healthcare professionals and children with clefts.
“Engaging with cleft and craniofacial providers at a global level is a direct initiative in ACPA’s current strategic plan, and our collaboration with Smile Train allows this to happen face-to-face and virtually at ACPA’s Annual Meeting,” said Adam Levy, CAE, ACPA Executive Director. “With Smile Train’s support, cleft providers who otherwise may not have attended will be able to access the same continuing education – and offer diverse experiences and viewpoints – adding incredible and meaningful value to all in attendance. We’re grateful for Smile Train’s ongoing support as the International Program Supporter and look forward to welcoming providers from around the world to Raleigh this May.”
ACPA’s 2023 Annual Meeting, May 2 – 6, will honor ACPA’s past, challenge the present, and inspire providers for the future. The 2023 program features sessions on advances in research and clinical and team-driven care, including poster sessions, panel presentations, and study sessions. The event will be held at the Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC.
About Smile Train: Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children’s lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train’s sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.
About the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association: The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is an interdisciplinary nonprofit 501(c)(3) association of interested individuals and healthcare professionals who treat and/or perform research on oral cleft and craniofacial conditions. ACPA members provide quality care for their patients. Since 1943, ACPA has worked to optimize outcomes for individuals with oral cleft and craniofacial conditions through education, support, research, advocacy, and interdisciplinary team care. ACPA members represent more than 30 disciplines in more than 50 countries worldwide. ACPA also provides information to affected individuals and families and seeks to educate the public about facial differences through its ACPA Family Services program. For more information, please visit acpacares.org.
