Susannah Schaefer

President & CEO and Executive Vice Chair of @SmileTrain. Global and maternal health advocate. LI native. And above all, proud mom.

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Looking back at last week’s impactful conversations at the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association Annual Meeting in Boston.

From global collaboration to innovation in cleft care, these moments continue to move us forward.

#ACPA2026 #CleftCare #GlobalHealth

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

On #WorldHearingDay, cleft care goes beyond surgery. Children with clefts are prone to middle ear disease, and ENT care prevents hearing and speech loss.

Dr. Elefante shares: “In true multidisciplinary cleft care, ENT ensures patients hear, breathe, and communicate better.”

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Proud to attend the 66th WACS Conference in Accra . Since 2019, Smile Train has partnered with WACS to build a pipeline of qualified cleft surgeons—supporting 70+ surgeons through their academic journey to serve communities across West Africa.

#66thWACS #SurgicalTraining

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

On #NationalInnovationDay, we’re proud to highlight how @Smiletrain is advancing cleft care through innovation:
• Virtual Surgery Simulator
• New VR extension for collaborative “metaverse OR” training
• Research-backed, anatomically accurate simulators from Simulare Medical

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Confidence and self-esteem are just as vital as medical care. Children with a cleft lip or cleft palate and their caregivers thrive with communities of support. From families and providers to peer groups and camps, connection helps children feel seen and families feel less alone.

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Honored to be in Rwanda celebrating a historic milestone at University of Global Health Equity — the graduation of its first medical class and a new generation of global health leaders. Investing in local leadership builds lasting impact.

#UGHEGrad2026 #UGHETurns10

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

From a small village in India to the Oscars stage—and into a future filled with possibility. Pinki Sonkar’s story proves that while awards mark a moment, access to lifelong cleft care changes everything.

Read more: https://t.co/Tkrd0PZwck

#Oscars #CleftCare #SmileTrain

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

As we begin 2026, I’m filled with gratitude and hope. Thanks to your support, children and families around the world continue to receive the life-changing cleft care they deserve. This year, we remain committed to expanding access to safe, high-quality comprehensive cleft care.

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Grateful to the @NYIslanders and everyone who joined Hockey with a Heart in support of Smile Train.Your generosity raised $42,362 to help children access life-changing cleft surgery and comprehensive care.
Thank you for standing with us — and a special thanks to @LidiaBastianich

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our @KendraScott Gives Back event with @lidiabastianich. Your generosity ensures that 20% from every purchase helps provide life-changing cleft care for children worldwide.
Your kindness creates lasting smiles.

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Grateful for partners like Dr. Ataklitie Baraki Berhea who remind us why locally led training and strong regional collaboration are essential to the future of cleft care. His 19 years of leadership in Ethiopia shows the power of investing in local talent to create lasting impact.

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Honored to receive an Honorary Fellowship from @cosecsa at this year’s Scientific Conference in Burundi. Grateful to our incredible @Smiletrain partners across Africa who make sustainable cleft care possible every day. Thank you so much to COSECSA for this recognition.

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Our biggest and most inspiring #VirtualCleftCon yet! From “Beyond the Scar” to “Dad Mode,” the #CleftStrong community shared stories of healing, hope, and strength. Thank you for making it unforgettable — and join us next year!

#SmileTrain #VirtualCleftCon25

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Reflecting on #PASHeF2025 in Addis Ababa — collaboration is key to advancing surgical equity across Africa.

At #SmileTrain, we’re empowering local professionals to deliver safe cleft care & strengthen health systems — because surgery is a right, not a privilege.
#SmileTrain

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Grateful to join our Medical Advisory Board and global partners at #Cleft2025 in Kyoto. Together, we’re advancing innovation, safety, and collaboration in cleft care—ensuring every child has access to safe, high-quality treatment worldwide. 

#SmileTrain #cleft2025

[Smile Train @Smiletrain]

Ahead of #Cleft2025, Smile Train will host our annual in-person Medical Advisory Board meeting in Kyoto. CEO @SusannahSchaefer will join 35+ global experts as we work together to advance safe, high-quality cleft care worldwide.#SmileTrain #cleftcare #cleft2025

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Our own Dr. Elizabeth Igaga, based in Uganda, leads Smile Train’s global safety programs — ensuring cleft surgeries each year meet the highest standards of care.

#WorldAnesthesiaDay #SafeSurgery #SmileTrain

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Healing is more than surgery. @Smiletrain's Counseling & Support offers emotional and psychological care for children with clefts and their families — because confidence, self-esteem & well-being matter. 

Learn more here: https://t.co/oFGksHo90i #WorldMentalHealthDay

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

Our global #SmileWall campaign for World Smile Day® was a beautiful reminder: a smile can spark connection and awareness. Thank you to every person, family, classroom, and supporter who shared their smile and helped shine light on cleft care. #WorldSmileDay

[Susannah Schaefer @SschaeferST]

The future of cleft care is here! @SmileTrain joined partners @DentsplySirona at DS World 2025, showcasing how digital tech transforms lives. Honored to be joined by Nasly from Colombia, whose story reminds us: technology + compassion = a life saved.

#DSWorldvegas25