In March 2023, Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan participated in a humanitarian surgical program with Operation Smile Vietnam at Gia Lai Children’s Hospital. This was a volunteer activity under the "Smile Surgery" program, aimed at children with congenital maxillofacial defects and other conditions requiring plastic surgical intervention.
According to program documents, the activity took place from March 17 to March 21, 2023, in Gia Lai. Within the framework of the program, the volunteer team conducted examinations for approximately 200 children with conditions such as cleft lip, cleft palate, limb defects, and ptosis (drooping eyelids), and provided surgery for approximately 120 eligible cases.
The Smile Surgery Program

Operation Smile is one of the organizations that regularly conducts humanitarian surgical programs for children with maxillofacial defects. In Gia Lai, the "Smile Surgery" program carried medical significance and served as an opportunity for many families to access specialized examinations and treatments.
For children with cleft lip, cleft palate, or other facial abnormalities, receiving examination and intervention at the right time is crucial. Surgery not only improves external appearance but can also support children in eating, pronunciation, communication, and integrating into life.
Activities at Gia Lai Children’s Hospital
The program was organized at Gia Lai Children’s Hospital, where doctors and volunteers worked together to receive, examine, screen, and assess the condition of each child.
Here, families brought children to register, undergo initial health checks, and receive direct examinations from doctors. Each case required careful assessment to determine surgical eligibility and ensure safety factors before proceeding with interventions.
The atmosphere of the program reflected the close coordination between the medical team, volunteers, and the patients’ families. Every stage of the screening process played a vital role, from recording information and assessing clinical conditions to compiling the list of cases eligible for surgery.
The Role of Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan

In this program, Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan participated as a surgeon. This was part of a professional journey linked to plastic surgery, especially in cases related to the maxillofacial region.
Participating in the Operation Smile program in Gia Lai demonstrated Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan’s social responsibility in contributing his expertise to community activities. For children with congenital defects, the support of the surgical team not only brought about changes in appearance but also opened up opportunities to improve their quality of life.
Beyond surgical techniques, medical volunteer activities require understanding, patience, and the ability to coordinate in a high-focus working environment. Each case examined needed to be approached with caution and a spirit of humanity.
The Significance of Humanitarian Surgery

Humanitarian surgery in the field of maxillofacial plastic surgery holds special value, as many children in difficult circumstances cannot easily access specialized treatment services. Programs like Operation Smile help bridge the gap between medical expertise and the practical needs of the community.
For children with cleft lip and cleft palate, timely surgery can contribute to improving eating functions, pronunciation, and self-confidence in communication. For families, this is also a great source of encouragement on the journey of caring for and accompanying their children.
In Gia Lai, the program did not stop at examination and surgery but also spread a message of sharing in healthcare. The joint efforts of doctors, medical staff, volunteers, and social organizations created a program with practical significance for the local community.
Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan’s Humanitarian Orientation
For Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan, surgical expertise is demonstrated not only in daily clinical practice but also in community-oriented activities. Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan’s participation in the Smile Surgery program in Gia Lai was a milestone reflecting that spirit.
Medical volunteer activities provide doctors with opportunities to encounter different circumstances, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the value of plastic surgery in life. Behind each surgery is not only professional technique but also the hope, change, and trust of patients and their families.
The Milestone in Gia Lai
The Operation Smile program in Gia Lai in March 2023 was a noteworthy activity in the professional and community journey of Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan.
Through the program, Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan and the volunteer team contributed to providing examination and surgical opportunities for many children with congenital defects. This is also a testament to the direction that Dr. Nguyen Duy Huan pursues: combining medical expertise, social responsibility, and a spirit of humanity in every professional activity.