Operation Smile

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Operation Smile


Formation 1982
Type Not-for-profit corporation
Headquarters Flag of the United States Norfolk, Virginia
CEO William P. Magee Jr.
President Kathleen S. Magee
Website Operation Smile.org

Operation Smile is a not-for-profit medical service organization based in Norfolk, Virginia (USA), founded in 1982. As a secular NGO the organization provides cleft lip and palate repair surgeries to children worldwide, assists countries in reaching self-sufficiency with these surgeries, and works to eliminate the occurrence of cleft lips and palates.

To date, Operation Smile has provided reconstructive surgery to over 100,000 children and young adults in 30 countries [1] [2].

While nearly 1 in 800 children is born in the US with a cleft lip or palate, the cleft is most often surgically corrected during a baby's first week of life.

Without intervention, these same deformities go uncorrected in developing countries -- where the deformity occurs in about one of 500 births [3].

Click here for more info: about clefts, their treatment, prevalence and causes.

Contents

[edit] The Creation of Operation Smile

Operation Smile was created by Bill and Kathy Magee after they participated in a Philippine cleft repair mission in 1982 and recognized a need for more missions.

According to a 2003 interview [4], when asked about the start of Operation Smile, Magee said:

“ It was guilt.
We were invited to join a group going
on a medical mission to the Philippines.

We saw hundreds of children
and saw many more turned away.

 ”

The organization's scope increased after Mother Theresa invited Operation Smile to come to India to treat deformed children [3].

[edit] Founders

  • Bill Magee (Dr. William P. Magee Jr., D.D.S., M.D.)
  • Kathy Magee (Kathleen S. Magee, B.S.N., M.Ed., M.S.W.)

Dr. Magee serves as the organization's Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Magee serves as the president on a full-time, volunteer basis and is a lifetime member of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Magee received the 2001 Antonio Feltrinelli Prize (Premi "Antonio Feltrinelli", awarded by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei) for Exceptional Endeavors of Outstanding Moral and Humanitarian Value, received the U.N. Servants of Peace Award, presented the Honorary Kazanjan Lecture to the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and in 1998, received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons [5].

[edit] Programs

Operation Smile organizes international volunteer missions to provide cleft lip and palate repair in developing countries, coordinates programs for training physicians from around the world, manages programs to assist host countries in reaching lip/palate repair self-sufficiency, supports education and research programs to eradicate cleft lips and palates, and organizes global volunteer programs for high-school and college students.

[edit] Surgical missions

For each mission, Operation Smile verifies the credentials and organizes the participation and travel arrangements for a team of volunteers [6] : an overall coordinator, plastic or maxillofacial surgeons, a pediatrician, anesthestiologists, head or coordinating nurses, pre- and post-op nurses, child development specialists, speech therapists [7], orthodontists, medical records technicians and patient imaging technicians. Teams are organized with in-country volunteers and international volunteers, translators, and corporate sponsors -- as well as a high-school student team that makes health-education presentations in the communities belonging to the mission sites. Operation Smile coordinates the donation, purchase and delivery of medical provisions (equipment, medications, supplies) for each mission.

In 2005, these volunteer medical teams provided free surgeries for 8,359 children through international and local, in-country medical missions[citation needed]. Operation Smile’s partner countries include:

  • Flag of Iraq Iraq - In 2007 the health minister of Iraq's Kurdistan region, Dr. Zorban Othman, announced that Operation Smile would treat 51 Kurdish children in nearby Jordan. The Dr. stated "the step was taken because of the bad security conditions in other areas of Iraq, which makes it impossible for foreign physicians to come." [16].

[edit] World Care Program

On a case by case basis, Operation Smile will bring extraordinary cranio-facial cases to Norfolk Virginia -- when mission conditions are inappropriate for the severity of the case. As of June 2007, approximately 200 World Care patients have been treated.[17]. The program may be expanded to other locations. [18].

[edit] Chapters & foundations

Operation Smile has Global Resource Chapters that raise funds and awareness to support its programs. Mission teams are hosted by International Foundations that are responsible for all in-country mission logistics and that also raise funds and awareness throughout the year.

Comprehensive Care Clinics To aid countries in becoming self-sufficient at caring for cleft patients, beginning in early 2007 the organization will open seven medical clinics in Colombia, Honduras, Morocco, China, India, the Philippines and Vietnam [19]. The centers will provide surgeries and treatment, educate local volunteers, perform local development activities and manage local communications / administrative services. The center in Vietnam will treat 2,000 patients annually and train about 1,000 medical professionals [19].

[edit] U.S. care network

Operation Smile provides a network of resources to assist families in the U.S. with children born with facial deformities. This network is accessed through the Operation Smile Web site and includes a listing of Referral Web Sites plus a Physicians Resource List with the names of doctors available to review a case.

[edit] Education

Operation Smile provides a framework for its partner countries to come together to share knowledge, technology and skills through the use of programs customized to each country’s specific medical infrastructure. University Partnerships offer Operation Smile medical volunteers training in advanced techniques and provide opportunities including fellowships, emeritus professorships and visiting professorship programs. Education Exchange programs are also offered through partnerships with leading medical teaching institutions.

The annual Operation Smile Physicians’ Training Program (PTP) brings surgeons from around the world to the United States for training in specialized surgical skills. The program has helped train more than 650 international physicians in advanced craniofacial techniques [5].

Operation Smile has twice hosted a global summit on medical standards in Norfolk, VA [20] [21].

[edit] Student programs

More than 450 Operation Smile Student Associations in the United States and around the world build awareness, raise funds and educate students about the values of commitment, leadership and volunteerism.

The International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) is a big aspect of Operation Smile Student Programs. The 2006 ISLC was held at Weber State University in Utah, and the 2005 ISLC was held at William & Mary in Virginia. The 2007 ISLC was held at the University of Limerick in Ireland [22].

[edit] Awards and milestones

  • In 1996, Operation Smile received the first Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize to recognize outstanding contributions to alleviate human suffering.
  • To mark it's 25th anniversary in November of 2007, Operation Smile undertook the World Journey of Smiles (WJOS), a single campaign that included 40 simultaneous missions over a period of two weeks in 25 countries -- beginning with the return to the site of Operations Smile's first mission [23]. During WJOS, Operation Smile completed 4200 cleft lip/palate surgeries with 1700 volunteers from 43 countries. The World Journey of Smiles also collected DNA samples from 4200 children -- the largest sampling ever made and now housed at Yale University. The previous largest sampling included the DNA of 200 children[citation needed].
  • Bill and Kathy Magee were honored on March 1, 2008 with the Norfolk First Citizen Distinguished Service Award [3].

[edit] Criticism and response 1999-2002

In November, 1999, specific patient deaths [24] brought criticism on Operation Smile's medical procedures, suggesting the organization prioritized publicity and volume over patient welfare and safety [25] [26].

In response, Operation Smile conducted an internal review [27]. Initially, the organization "promised to make public the full findings of the review," though later chose not to release the findings, considering the review "an internal matter" [27]. Several directors disagreed with this choice and left the board [27].

Four months after announcing the review, the organization publicly admitted organizational flaws. [27] By 2002, the organization also established medical credential standards, improved medical monitoring of patients, and implemented quality and financial controls. [28]

[edit] Financial Information

  • The NGO has an operating budget of just over $42 million (2006), spending approximately $13 million on fundraising and administration [29].
  • Operation Smile also operates the Operation Smile Foundation, a separate registered non-profit whose sole purpose is to raise funds for Operation Smile. The Foundation spent $7,267,834 on fundraising and raised $8,387,513 in the tax year ending June 30 2007. The Foundation transferred a total of $781,858 to Operation Smile. http://operationsmile.org/docs/990_2006_osf.pdf
  • The organization was listed with the Forbes 2005 200 Largest U.S. Charities.
  • Dr. Magee's salary dropped from roughly $250,000 a year to roughly $145,000 a year -- recently[citation needed].
  • Operation Smile is a member of the Independant Charities of America.

[edit] Operation Smile in popular culture

  • A 2007 multimedia project featured a seven-story sphere at South Street Seaport in New York, NY. Microsoft worked with Operation Smile, Digital Kitchen (a marketing company) and the Wexley School for Girls (Seattle, WA) to have photographic images of visitors projected onto the sphere. (See also: Case Study)
  • A 2005 movie, Smile, directed by Jeffrey Kramer was loosely based on the experiences of a student Operation Smile volunteer.
  • Singer Jessica Simpson, actress Roma Downey [30] and actor/television host Billy Bush volunteer on behalf of Operation Smile.
  • Singer Mariah Carey volunteered for The Smile Collection fundraising event in New York in 2006 [8]
  • Operation Smile was featured on NBC's reality show The Apprentice, Thursday, April 15th 2004 [31].

[edit] Co-branding

  • In 2002, Operation Smile was featured in a Mr. Potato Head contest, with proceeds to benefit the NGO.[32]. Hasbro continues to donate Mr. Potato Head toys for Operation Smile missions [33].
  • An ongoing co-branding campaign between Operation Smile and Sephora combines the NGO's name with the companies products, raising over $400,000 for the NGO. [34]. The Operation Smile Sephora Lip Baume was listed at number five on Lara Spencer's "Lara's Hot Shopping List, Hot Products for Women" [35].
  • An ongoing co-branding campaign between Operation Smile and AriZona Iced Tea features the tea company's three best selling (one liter) products' labels replaced with Operation Smile branded messaging, mission statement and photos of children with cleft repairs. [36].
  • In 2007 Lladró unveiled a collection of porcelain, including a piece inspired by Gustav Klimt’s painting The Kiss, proceeds from which were to benefit the NGO [37].
See also: Co-branding and Marketing co-operation
See also: external article on co-branding: When Two Brands are Better than One

[edit] Headquarters relocation

Operation Smile announced in late 2007 that it would relocate its world headquarters approximately 16 miles from its current location in Norfolk, to a new building in Virginia Beach [38]. The projected 65,000 square foot building is sited adjacent to a projected regional health profession center to be built by Tidewater Community College. The headquarters will occupy land owned by the city of Virginia Beach and will receive funds from the city for site improvements, including landscaping, utility service and sidewalks.[38].

[edit] References

  1. ^ Operation Smile: 25 years, missions in 25 countries. Amednews.com.
  2. ^ Program fixes kids' smiles around the world. The Huntsville Times.com.
  3. ^ a b c Operation Smile co-founders named Norfolk's First Citizens. The Virginia Pilot, Pilotonline.com Feb 27 2008.
  4. ^ Dr. William P. Magee's Operation Smile: 20 Years Putting Smiles on People’s Faces. Hour of Power.
  5. ^ a b Bio: William P. Magee, Jr. DDS, MD Dental School, 1969. University of Maryland, Baltimore.
  6. ^ a b ODU Nursing Professor Travels to Bangladesh for medical diplomacy mission. Old Dominion University News.
  7. ^ Charity A Speech-Language Pathologist in Vietnam. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
  8. ^ a b Transworldnews.com: Celebrities Continue to Join Effort Marking 25TH Anniversary.
  9. ^ Operation Smile Partners with Navy in Humanitarian Mission. U.S. Department of Defense.
  10. ^ Southern California Physician: Doctors On a Mission.
  11. ^ Operation Smile performs 150 surgeries By Brendan Brady.
  12. ^ Prom Gown Benefit Sale to Help Operation Smile's Important Work.
  13. ^ a b c American Forces Press Service: Operation Smile Partners with Navy in Humanitarian Mission.
  14. ^ Charity helps children smile again. Vietnam News.
  15. ^ Children receive free facial surgeries from US programme. Vietnam News.
  16. ^ Organization to treat 51 Kurdish children. Iraq Updates - April 23 2007.
  17. ^ Over 200 children helped through Operation Smile's World Care Program. WVEC News, Norfolk,VA June 5, 2007.
  18. ^ Doctors to take away Muriel's 'pain'. Sunday Tribune, South Africa, 16 December 2007.
  19. ^ a b Operation Smile to open clinic in Vietnam to treat face deformities. The Virginian Pilot, March 20, 2007.
  20. ^ Operation Smile exports U.S. good will. The Virginian-Pilot, February 10, 2007.
  21. ^ Operation Smile to develop new care standards at local meeting. The Virginian-Pilot, February 9, 2007.
  22. ^ EHS sophomore learns leadership in Ireland. Seacoast Online, August 10, 2007.
  23. ^ Journey of smiles’ began here, now in 25 nations. Inquirer.net/Philippine Daily Inquirer 11/19/2006.
  24. ^ Charity faces inquiry on child deaths. The Guardian (UK).
  25. ^ Charges of Shoddy Practices Taint Gifts of Plastic Surgery. The New York Times, Reed Abelson with Elisabeth Rosenthal, Nov 24, 1999.
  26. ^ Whirlwind of Facial Surgery By Foreigners Upsets China. The New York Times, Elisabeth Rosenthal with Reed Abelson, Nov 25, 1999.
  27. ^ a b c d Charity Promises Sweeping Changes After Review. The New York Times, Reed Abelson, April 12, 2000.
  28. ^ A New Leader, A New Image. The Virginian Pilot, Elizabeth Simpson, December 30, 2002.
  29. ^ 2006 financial statement, p.7]
  30. ^ Roma Downey works miracles with Operation Smile. USAtoday.
  31. ^ Bill Rancic Becomes The Apprentice. NBC.com.
  32. ^ Waiting for that winning smile to pay off? This spud's for you. Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal.
  33. ^ Hasbro supports Smiles. Playthings.com 7/17/2007.
  34. ^ Operation Smile/Sephora.
  35. ^ Lara's Hot Shopping List, Hot Products for Women. abcnews.go.com.
  36. ^ Arizona Beverages Donates Percentage of Net Sales to Operation Smile. PRWeb.com.
  37. ^ Lladró Porcelain Unveiling and Signing Benefit. SanFrancisco.com.
  38. ^ a b Operation Smile moving from Norfolk to new Beach building. Virginian Pilot.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links