On a Mission
The year was 1997 when Edward Zebovitz, DDS, first learned about the crucial need for medical
and dental care in developing regions of the world such as the Philippines, Caribbean, East
Africa, and Bangladesh.
“A colleague of my father’s was doing mission trips, and I knew I had to get involved,” says
the oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a practice based in Bowie. The non-profit organization
Surgeons for Smiles was born.
Seventeen years later, Dr. Zebovitz and his team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and support
staff have completed their 34th mission trip. This time they went to Sorsogon, a province on the
island of Luzon in the Philippines where genetic facial deformities like cleft lip and cleft palate are
common. The team performed 50 cleft lip and palate surgeries on children in just five days.
“The conditions are horrible,” Dr. Zebovitz says of the places he travels. “People’s basic needs,
like shelter and food, aren’t always met. It is very sad to see.” They rely on donations to fund the
missions. Whatever is not donated, Dr. Zebovitz personally finances.
This spring, Dr. Zebovitz, who is married to OB-GYN Coryse Brathwaite, MD, and has four
children ages 18, 20, 21, and 22, will go on another trip. This time, they will go to East Africa.
“I hope to one day retire to Surgeons for Smiles,” says Dr. Zebovitz, with a smile.
Help spread the smiles. Learn more at
SurgeonsforSmiles.org
.
“A colleague of my
father’s was doing
mission trips, and
I knew I had to
get involved
.
I hope to one day
retire to Surgeons
for Smiles.”
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Personality Plus
Many AAMC physicians and staff do mission work. Read some of their stories at
askAAMC.org/Living
.
