#Colombia #Cartagena #Cleft Care #Global Smile Foundation #CCCW

Global Smile Foundation Hosts Groundbreaking Conference

The Global Smile Foundation (GSF) is making waves in the field of cleft care by organizing the 7th annual Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshop (CCCW) in Cartagena, Colombia, from November 18-21, 2025. This innovative workshop stands as one of the largest global simulation-based training events aimed at enhancing standards of cleft surgery.

With an impressive lineup of participants that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, speech pathologists, and multidisciplinary teams hailing from over 50 countries, this conference specifically emphasizes attracting providers from low- and middle-income nations. This year’s workshop aims to provide hands-on training through advanced simulations, equipping healthcare providers with vital skills required to administer high-quality, safe care to the estimated 200,000 children born globally each year with cleft lip and palate.

Dr. Usama Hamdan, GSF's president and co-founder, underlines the mission behind the CCCW: "At CCCW, we are not only training surgeons and care teams — our goal is to strengthen entire health systems." The variability in cleft care quality worldwide can lead to devastating outcomes for patients, making this workshop all the more critical. With decades of patient data at their disposal, GSF is committed to leading the charge in sharing knowledge and enhancing care standards across the globe.

This year's venue, Cartagena, reflects GSF's dedication to bringing together providers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to bolster cleft care across Latin America. GSF’s work resonates with the global commitment to improving safety standards and innovating the future of cleft surgery, ensuring every child has access to comprehensive care.

The CCCW aims to educate not only individual clinicians but the larger healthcare ecosystems within which they work. Participants will engage in interactive simulations, problem-solving exercises, and collaborative discussions that will propel them toward improved practices and patient outcomes.

The approach taken by GSF illustrates a robust commitment to transcending geographical limitations in healthcare, all while focusing on building lasting capacity among local providers. By fostering partnerships in cleft care education, they are uplifting communities and ensuring that children and families have access to the services they need to thrive.

In addition to surgical training, the workshop will also delve into the educational aspects regarding post-operative care and the psychosocial impacts of cleft conditions, facilitating an all-encompassing approach to health that prioritizes the overall well-being of patients.

To register for this transformative event, interested parties can visit cleftworkshop.org. The Global Smile Foundation continues to push the boundaries of cleft care, affirming their belief that no child should be deprived of a smile.

Founded in 2008, GSF strives to provide comprehensive cleft care globally while working hand-in-hand with local providers to build enduring capacities. Drawing upon decades of patient data and ongoing research initiatives, they advocate for the highest standards in cleft treatment and education. Their flagship workshop represents not just an opportunity for learning, but an avenue for creating a global network committed to enhancing cleft care.

Join GSF in shaping a world where every child born with a cleft condition has the opportunity to experience safe, high-quality surgery and the promise of brighter, healthier futures.

For more insights and updates, one can connect with the Global Smile Foundation’s media contact at [email protected] or call (781) 501-5007.