Operation Smile volunteer

Our medical volunteers provide life-saving surgical and post-operative care to patients in the world’s most underserved environments.

Medical Volunteers

The Medical Volunteer Action Center (MVAC) is an online system that facilitates the registration, application, credentialing, and mission experiences of volunteers. All medical professionals who would like to volunteer with Operation Smile should register through MVAC and follow the steps to become a medical mission volunteer in one of the following specialties: cleft surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatricians, pediatric intensivists, nurses (operating room, recovery room, or pre-/post-operative ward specialties), dentists, orthodontists, speech language pathologists, child life specialists and biomedical technicians.

Download Medical Volunteer FAQ

Medical Resident Leadership Program

The Resident Leadership Program, generously sponsored by Stryker™ and the Regan family, provides valuable opportunities for current medical residents to learn and grow in a volunteer setting. We believe that the dedicated professionals selected for the Program will be able to ensure continued delivery of the best cleft care and treatment possible with the knowledge and experience they gain.

The Resident Leadership Program offers resident physicians the opportunity to participate in the life-changing work of Operation Smile by becoming part of the global team of rising plastic surgery, pediatrics and anesthesia professionals. Residents are invited to both attend an international surgical program where they will work alongside an experienced Operation Smile physician, as well as the annual Resident Leadership Conference held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.

During the surgical program, residents may also have the opportunity to participate in our research initiatives that will allow for better treatment and prevention of cleft lip and cleft palate. Residents will also have the opportunity to network with one another and share their experiences at the annual Resident Leadership Conference.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be in final year of study of anesthesia, plastic and reconstructive surgery*, or pediatrics
• Completed application
• CV, Diploma, License, and applicable certifications
• Letter of recommendation
• Expressed interest in global health or volunteer service