Training tomorrow’s surgeons
Dr Bart Stubenitsky’s commitment to Operation Smile.
In this Q&A, we speak with volunteer plastic surgeon, Dr Bart Stubenitsky. He shares what led him to become a surgeon, his passion for teaching, and how he’s helping to train more surgeons in cleft surgery. We also explore Dr Stubenitsky’s new role as a member of the Operation Smile UK Medical Sub Committee.
Q: What led you to volunteer for Operation Smile?
A: I first heard about Operation Smile while in medical school in the Netherlands. At the time, they were looking for specialists, not students, and the organization wasn’t present in the Netherlands yet. After qualifying as a plastic surgeon, I moved to Toronto and worked with renowned cleft surgery experts like David Fisher. There, I met David Chong, a fellow cleft surgeon, and our shared passion for helping people with cleft conditions brought me closer to the Operation Smile family.
Q: How many surgical programmes have you been a part of?
A: I’ve been on several surgical programmes—five times in Kenya, four in Ethiopia, and five in Madagascar. I have a special connection to Africa since I grew up in Kenya. I also volunteered with Doctors Without Borders in Nigeria, but when we had children, my wife preferred I focus on less high-risk surgical programmes.
Q: What inspired you to become a surgeon and specialise in plastic surgery?
A: My grandfather was a doctor and a surgeon who became involved in the resistance during World War II, helping British pilots who had been shot down. Although I never knew him—he died in a concentration camp—my mother spoke highly of him and always wanted one of her children to become a doctor. Though I initially resisted the idea, I eventually found my way to medicine and plastic surgery, combining my love for working with my hands and helping people.
Q: Can you tell us more about the training programmes you’ve been involved with for Operation Smile?
A: I’ve always loved teaching. In the Netherlands, I regularly have medical students and fellow surgeons observe my surgeries. It’s ingrained in the medical field—you learn, and then you teach. In Ethiopia, I trained local surgeons, and in Madagascar, where there’s a shortage of cleft surgeons, I started a cleft surgery training programme in 2015. It’s incredibly fulfilling to pass on skills to others.
Q: How does it feel to see the surgeons you’ve trained in action?
A: It’s an amazing feeling. Last year, I worked alongside two local surgeons I had trained, and now they’re better than me! That gives me immense satisfaction. Operation Smile is increasingly focusing on training local surgeons, which is essential for sustainability. Eventually, the goal is for countries to support themselves, and it’s exciting to see that happening.
Photo: Rohanna Mertes
Q: Can you tell us about Dr Joelle Horace, the Madagascan surgeon you trained?
A: Dr Joelle Horace is an incredible female surgeon I first met in 2015. We’ve performed surgeries together, and seeing her now as a fully trained and accomplished surgeon is inspiring. It’s empowering for women in Madagascar, and the team there is largely led by Malagasy women—about 80%, including two out of three local surgeons performing cleft surgeries. It’s been wonderful to witness their growth.
Q: Can you tell us more about your role on the UK Medical Sub Committee?
A: Being on the UK Medical Sub Committee gives me the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making processes behind the surgical programmes—everything from funding to planning future initiatives. In my first meeting, I mostly observed, but as I gain experience, I’ll take on a more active role. I’m honored to be part of this.
Q: What are the biggest barriers to care faced by Operation Smile patients?
A: Malnutrition is a significant challenge for cleft patients. Children with cleft conditions often struggle to breastfeed, leading to malnutrition, which can make surgery unsafe. Operation Smile’s nutrition programme, led by Charlotte Steppling, educates families on how to properly feed their children, ensuring they’re healthy enough for surgery. Without proper nutrition and information, many families make long journeys only to find out their child isn’t eligible for surgery, and sometimes they won’t return for a second attempt.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from one of the surgical programmes?
A: I have many. Older patients always stand out to me because the surgeries can have an immediate and profound impact on their lives. In Ethiopia, one of my favorite memories is when a family, despite having very little, pooled their money to buy a goat and barbecue it for us in gratitude. It wasn’t necessary, but it showed how much our work meant to them. That’s when you realize the deep impact we have on families.
Q: What keeps you motivated to volunteer?
A: I love Operation Smile’s surgical programme. It gives me energy, even more than my work at home. My wife always notices how invigorated I am when I return from a surgical programme. Volunteering reminds me how fortunate I am, and it’s humbling to give back, especially knowing that the children we help could have achieved incredible things if born in different circumstances. Working with the passionate and driven Operation Smile team is incredibly motivating.
Thanks to Dr Bart Stubenitsky for taking the time to speak with us. We look forward to hearing more about his work and his new role on the Medical Sub Committee.