Transforming Lives: A Journey with Operation Smile
Johannes Quiding Lood, an anesthesiologist based at Helsingborg Hospital, has dedicated over a decade of his life to transforming the futures of children and adults affected by cleft lip and palate through his work with the humanitarian organization, Operation Smile. His journey in volunteer medicine began during his medical training when he learned about the impactful missions that Operation Smile undertook in various parts of the world.
In 2018, during the final year of his specialization, Johannes had the chance to accompany Operation Smile on a mission to Nicaragua. Following this, he became an accredited volunteer, embarking on a second mission to India in 2019, where he worked independently as an anesthesiologist. Since then, he has continued to participate in numerous missions, including recent trips to India and Madagascar.
Operation Smile’s missions center on providing essential surgical care to children—sometimes even adults—suffering from cleft lip and palate. Despite the challenges of working in under-resourced settings, Johannes and a diverse team of volunteer health professionals including surgeons, nurses, and speech therapists, focus on administering quick and safe operations, which are crucial for the patients' recovery and integration into society.
Johannes explains that for many families, accessing healthcare is nearly impossible. In countries like Sierra Leone, where he is currently stationed, the statistics are staggering: with a population nearing 86 million, there are only five available surgeons. He emphasizes the importance of volunteer work, stating, "Healthcare queues do not exist because there is no healthcare," underscoring the desperate need for organizations like Operation Smile.
One poignant aspect of these missions is the prerequisite screening that children undergo to determine their suitability for surgery. In Madagascar, out of over 200 children screened, the nutritional health of many children is assessed. Patients who are malnourished receive support through Operation Smile's nutritional programs before they can safely undergo surgical procedures. Johannes recalls a little boy who, after being prioritized for nutritional aid, returned for surgery six months later, healthy and ready for the operation.
The implications of these surgeries extend far beyond mere physical appearance. For many children, cleft lip and palate can lead to significant difficulties in speaking, eating, and social interaction, putting them at risk for social ostracism. Some families hide their children due to societal stigma attached to these conditions—often fueled by cultural beliefs linking clefts to shame or witchcraft. The opportunity to undergo surgery can mean a life-changing difference for these children, increasing their chances of education, employment, and social integration in adulthood.
Sharing a powerful memory from Madagascar, Johannes recounts being overwhelmed by gratitude and joy when he and his team revisited a patient village after performing surgeries. Witnessing children—many of whom he had personally anesthetized—celebrating their new smiles with their families was a profoundly moving experience. The sight of parents and children dancing along the gravel road, celebrating their new opportunities, brought Johannes to tears as he reflected on the meaningful impact of their work.
Johannes emphasizes the pivotal role of donations that enable Operation Smile to continue providing these essential services. He notes that a cleft lip surgery can be performed in as little as 45 minutes for a cost of roughly 2400 kronor. He highlights that about 80 percent of their funding in Sweden comes from private donations, underscoring how crucial individual contributions are to their missions.
Reflecting on his ongoing commitment to Operation Smile, Johannes notes, "It feels like some of the most meaningful work I do as a human being, but also as an anesthesiologist." As he continues to gain valuable experience both professionally and personally, he expresses a deep desire to participate in more missions, affirming the rewarding nature of this work in bringing hope and healing to so many.
The ethos of Operation Smile, which began in the USA in 1982, continues to thrive, with the organization striving to ensure that every individual, no matter their background, has access to safe and necessary surgical care. With operations conducted in approximately 40 countries, Operation Smile remains steadfast in its vision—a future where all people have the opportunity to improve their health and quality of life through surgical interventions.
To support the incredible work of Johannes and his fellow volunteers, consider contributing to Operation Smile’s mission, so that they can help many more children in need of care.
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