University of Virginia Health System

MISSION:

The Operation Smile Medical Student Association exits as a humanitarian and educational organization in which medical students from the University of Virginia may participate in a reciprocal relationship with Operation Smile International by providing support and additional personnel in both the USA and in other countries. The purpose of this organization is to educate medical students, the community, medical professionals and businesses about Operation Smile. To volunteer with local physicians, Operation Smile Chapter representatives, and the public school system to assist in providing reconstructive surgery to children in the United States and countries. To raise funds and/or donate supplies for stateside patients and Operation Smile medical missions. To provide and educational lecture to all interested medical students, area physicians, and health care providers. Also to ultimately assist medical professionals on Operation Smile missions to other countries by making available an elective to place 4th year medical students in clinical rotation under supervision of medical mission. During this elective 4th year students will serve hospital and clinic in developing areas of the world. Students will be exposed to places where the vast majority of people do not have access to rudimentary care and where disease and malnutrition are prevalent.

Club Officers:

Jeffrey Neal

Elise Jackson

Mark Melson

Jenny George

Neil Malhotra