SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre Celebrates 2 Years of Transformative Cleft Care with Smile Train Partnership

SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, marked a significant milestone on April 1st, 2024, as the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program titled “Celebrating 2 Years of Comprehensive Cleft Care.” This event served as a testament to the ongoing success of the collaborative effort between Smile Train India and SRM Institute of Science and Technology in providing life-changing care to children born with cleft lip or palate.

The partnership with Smile Train India, a branch of the Smile Train organization based in the USA, has been instrumental in establishing a robust framework for comprehensive cleft care since February 1st, 2022. Under the support provided by the SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery has spearheaded efforts to fulfill the shared mission of bringing smiles to the faces of underprivileged children affected by cleft conditions.

Dignitaries Presence:
➔ Prof. Dr. Lt Col. A. Ravikumar, Pro Vice-Chancellor (MHS)
➔ Prof. Dr. Nitin M Nagarkar, Dean (Medical)
➔ Dr. Balasubramanian, Profesor & HOD, Department of Plastic Surgery, SRMMCH&RC
➔ Dr. M Pasupathy, Director, Smile Train, Department of Plastic Surgery, SRMMCH&RC
➔ Dr. P V Narayanan, HOD, The Charles Pinto Centre for Cleft Lip, Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies. Member, Smile Train Indian Medical Advisory Council Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Trichur
➔ Dr. Santharam, Associate Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, SRMMCH&RC

Key Highlights of the Event:

Interdisciplinary Approach: The establishment of the “SRM Center of Excellence for Cleft Lip and Palate Reconstructive Surgery” highlights a holistic approach to care, encompassing vital services such as speech therapy, emotional support, nutritional guidance, and various dental interventions.

Impact of Cleft Surgery: Recognizing the profound impact of cleft corrective surgery, the event emphasized its transformative effects on both the child and their family. Through testimonials and firsthand accounts, attendees gained insight into the immediate and enduring benefits of timely cleft interventions.

Guest Lecture: Renowned Cleft Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. P. V. Narayanan, delivered an enlightening lecture titled “The Journey of the Cleft Lip and Palate Child from Birth to Maturity,” shedding light on the comprehensive care continuum and its long-term implications.
Innovations in Care: The inauguration of “I Cleft Club,” featuring Tele Speech Therapy for cleft palate children, showcased the institution’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced patient support and engagement. Additionally, the donation of medical equipment by Smile Train to the Department of Anaesthesiology underscores the importance of safe anesthesia practices in cleft surgeries.

With 149 medical professionals, including faculty doctors, nurses, and beneficiaries of the Smile Train project, in attendance, the CME event served as a platform for reflection, celebration, and knowledge exchange. As SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre continues its journey of providing comprehensive cleft care, the spirit of “New Smile, New Life” remains at the forefront, inspiring hope and transformation in the lives of countless children and families.