Scottish surgeon appointed to medical board of global charity

One of Scotland's leading plastic, reconstructive and cleft surgeons has been appointed as part of a team of new medical advisers to a leading global children's charity.

Portrait of Felicity Mehendale, plastic surgeon (reconstruction surgery) and researcher.

Taken: 20 and 21, July 2017

Commissioned by David Foster Management.

The charity Smile Train has appointed Dr Felicity Vidya Mehendale to its Medical Advisory Board.

Dr Mehendale is currently Head of Global Cleft Lip and Palate Research Programme at the University of Edinburgh and has been specially selected due to her broad portfolio in clinical treatment, teaching, research and mentorship.

In the UK, babies born with a cleft lip and / or palate are typically treated immediately and for free on the NHS.

However, in many other parts of the world children are a lot less fortunate and do not have access to the same level of medical care.

If left untreated, clefts can lead to a range of serious medical problems - including difficulties with eating, breathing and speaking.

Smile Train is tackling this worldwide issue, by empowering local medical professionals with the training, funding, and resources needed to provide 100% free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally - giving them the power of a brand new, forever smile and the opportunity to live healthy and productive lives.

The charity’s Medical Advisory Board is comprised of experts from all over the world, across disciplines such as surgery, anesthesia, genetics, orthodontics, and speech therapy.

The board has a vital role in helping the charity to ensure that its cleft care programmes are safe, high-quality and comprehensive, so that all its beneficiaries receive the greatest level of care and support.

Dr Mehendale, said: “I hugely admire Smile Train for its passion and commitment towards improving the lives of children born with a cleft. Their sustainable model has been life-changing for millions of people globally - from the individuals who have received 100% free cleft surgery under their care, to the local medical professionals being trained to perform it.

“Smile Train’s focus on comprehensive, safe, multidisciplinary cleft care, globally, is outstanding; and I am delighted and honoured to work with the charity and their partners to build on their achievements through training and research - helping to support them on their vision to create lots more smiles worldwide.”

The Smile Train medical advisory board is led by world-renowned cleft and craniofacial surgeon, Dr. Larry Hollier, Jr. the Surgeon-in-Chief of the Texas Children’s Hospital and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.

He said: “Even with the effects of Covid-19, our international staff and partners have been incredibly resourceful in adapting to the challenges faced by local healthcare systems in the countries where we have programmes.

“To move forward, the importance of global cleft research and its impact on cleft treatment outcomes cannot be overemphasised. Smile Train will prioritise innovation by leveraging technology, building local research capacity, and sharing our data with strategic partners to develop assets that advance our programs, and our newest members will be invaluable in guiding this effort.

“I am honored to work with Smile Train and the full team of experts on our Global Medical Advisory Board to help children around the world receive the life-saving care they need.”

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