Thank You For Your Interest In Volunteering!

Surgical Missions

Available Positions

  • MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS
  • ~ Plastic Surgeon (with cleft experience)
  •  ~ Anesthesiologist (with pediatric experience)
  •  ~ Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (with pediatric experience)
  •  ~ Pediatrician (with current PALS)
  •  ~ OR Nurse
  •  ~ PACU nurse (with current PALS & ACLS)
  •  ~ Dentist
  •  ~ Dental Hygienist
  •  ~ Speech Pathologist (with cleft experience)

Volunteer Application Forms

Click on the appropriate application below, based on your interest:

Medical Volunteer Application

Please fill out our online application below. Or download the PDF version here.

    Your Specialty (required)

    The following documents should be submitted with your application. You will have a chance to upload them at the end of the application, or you can submit them separately via email, fax or standard mail.

    • - Current License to Practice

    • - Curriculum Vitae

    • - PALS Certification (for Pediatricians and PACU Nurses)

    • - Diploma

    • - Board Certification (for Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, CRNAs and Pediatricians)

    • - Cover Letter (Surgeons: include cleft experience; Anesthesiologists: include pediatric experience; PACU Nurses: include pediatric experience)

    • - Photocopy of Passport

    • - Attestation Form - can be downloaded here: Attestation Form

    • Please Note: If you are selected to volunteer on a mission, we will need a headshot of you. You may also submit that now.


    Applicant Name


    Applicant Address



    Personal Information

    Birth Date (required)

    Gender

    Name on Passport

    Passport Number

    Passport Expiration

    Nationality


    Practice Information

    Area of Specialty

    Office or Hospital Name (if applicable)

    Office or Hospital Phone


    Travel Info and Trip Fees

    Alliance for Smiles will cover international travel costs for medical volunteers, but if you are approved for a mission please consider making a tax-deductible donation to cover all or part of your airfare.

    All mission volunteers are required to pay a $450 Mission Participation Contribution once they have been selected for a mission.

    If you agree to above, please click Yes


    General Information

    Do you speak any languages besides English? (Indicate level of fluency).
    If you are applying from a non-English-speaking country, please indicate your level of fluency in English.

    Prior Medical Missions You Have Gone On (if any)

    Are You A Member of Rotary? (Indicate club name/district and how long.)

    Do you have any medical conditions we should be aware of?

    Shirt Size (in unisex size)


    Professional References

    Please list two professional references - preferably physicians, dentist or allied health practitioners who are familiar with your work. If possible, include at least one member from the medical staff of each facility at which you have privileges.


    Reference One

    Full Name of Reference

    Title

    Phone

    Email

    Notes


    Reference Two

    Full Name of Reference

    Title

    Phone

    Email

    Notes


    Documentation

    The following documents must be submitted before you can be approved:

    • Current License to Practice

    • Curriculum Vitae

    • Diploma

    • Board Certification (only for Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, CRNAs and Pediatricians)

    • PALS Certification (only for Pediatricians and PACU Nurses)

    • Cover Letter (Surgeons: include cleft experience; Anesthesiologists: include pediatric experience; PACU Nurses: include pediatric experience)

    • Photocopy of Passport

    • Attestation Form - the form can be downloaded here: Attestation Form

    If you don't have all the required documents currently with you, you can submit the application now and send the forms separately via email, fax or standard mail. You will find mailing address on the contact page.

    To upload the documentation now, please upload below.
    Accepted formats: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .zip, .png, .gif. Size limit 10 MB.


    Once you have completed the application and uploaded all files that you wish to, please agree to the terms and hit the Submit button below.

    If approved for a mission we request you provide us with 25-50 names and/or email or mailing addresses of family and friends, to be collected for our fundraising database.

    I fully understand that any significant misstatement in or omissions from this application will constitute cause for denial of my application for affiliation with Alliance for Smiles. I hereby affirm that the information I have furnished to Alliance for Smiles on this application and in any accompanying document is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

    Do you agree to the above terms?

    Non-Medical Volunteer Application

    Please fill out our online application below. Or download the PDF version here.

      The following documents must be submitted before you can be approved. You will have a chance to upload them at the end of the application, or you can submit them separately via email, fax or standard mail.

      • ~ Cover Letter and Resume (Please include how you heard about AfS, how you would like to volunteer for us, and your skills/qualifications.)

      • - Photocopy of Passport

      • Please Note: If you are selected to volunteer on a mission, we will need a headshot of you. You may also submit that now.


      Applicant Name


      Applicant Address



      Personal Information

      Birth Date (required)

      Gender

      Name as Shown on Passport

      Passport Number

      Passport Expiration

      Nationality


      Travel Info and Trip Fees

      Non-medical volunteers are required to pay their own airline expenses (unless a mission is funded by a specific grant). In addition, each volunteer is required to pay a tax-deductible $450 mission participation contribution once once they have been selected for a mission. AfS will cover the cost of food, lodging, and ground transportation for all volunteers during the mission.

      If you agree to the above, please click Yes


      General Information

      Do you speak any languages besides English? (Indicate level of fluency)

      Prior Medical Missions You Have Gone On (if any)

      Are You A Member of Rotary? (Indicate club name/district and how long.)

      Do you have any medical conditions we should be aware of?

      Shirt Size (in unisex size)


      Professional References

      Please list a professional or personal reference who we may contact if necessary.


      Reference One

      Full Name of Reference

      Title

      Phone

      Email

      Notes


      Reference Two

      Full Name of Reference

      Title

      Phone

      Email

      Notes


      Documentation

      The following documents must be submitted before you can be approved:

      • Cover Letter and Resume (Please include how you heard about AfS, how you would like to volunteer for us, and your skills/qualifications.)

      • Photocopy of Passport

      If you don't have all the required documents currently with you, you can submit the application now and send the forms separately via email, fax or standard mail. Mailing address and contact info are on the contact page.

      To upload the documentation now, please click upload below.


      Once you have completed the application and uploaded all files that you wish to, please agree to the terms and hit the Submit button below.

      All volunteers must be vaccinated for COVID-19, and hepatitis A & B before participating in a mission.

      If approved for a mission we request you provide us with 25-50 names and/or email or mailing addresses of family and friends, to be collected for our fundraising database.

      I fully understand that any significant misstatement in or omissions from this application will constitute cause for denial of my application for affiliation with Alliance for Smiles. I hereby affirm that the information I have furnished to Alliance for Smiles on this application and in any accompanying document is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

      Do you agree to the above terms?

      International Medical Fellowship Application

        In addition to this application, the below items should be submitted. (You can fill out the application now, and send these items later if you choose.)

        • - Cover letter and resume - Please include your international and/or medical experience (if any)

        • - Short video of yourself - Please tell us why you would be a great asset to our team and how you heard about AfS.


        Applicant Name


        Applicant Address



        Additional Information

        Birth Date (required)

        Gender as shown on travel document

        Nationality

        School Name (if applicable)

        Current School Year (if applicable)

        Do you speak any languages besides English? (Indicate level of fluency)

        There will be times when you will be asked to wear an Alliance for Smiles t-shirt or polo shirt that will identify you as a team member.
        Shirt Size (in unisex size)

        Please describe your current health, including any medical conditions we should be aware of.


        References


        Personal Reference [non-family member; someone who has known you for at least 5 years]

        Name

        Title

        Phone

        Email

        Notes


        Professional Reference

        Name

        Title

        Phone

        Email

        Notes


        Documentation

        The following documents must be submitted before you can be approved:

        • - Cover letter and resume - Please include your international and/or medical experience (if any)

        • - Short video of yourself - Please tell us why you would be a great asset to our team and how you heard about AfS.

        You can upload these items now at the below link, or you can submit the application now and upload these items later. (You will receive the below link in an email, once you hit SUBMIT below.)
        Upload Documents Here: www.dropbox.com/request/vXRTqLbm7NIfQfVL1xKR


        Once you have completed the application and uploaded all files that you wish to, please agree to the terms and hit the SUBMIT button below.
        I fully understand that any significant misstatement in or omissions from this application will constitute cause for denial of my application for affiliation with Alliance for Smiles. I hereby affirm that the information I have furnished to Alliance for Smiles on this application and in any accompanying document is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
        Do you agree to the above terms?

        Get Involved

        International Medical Fellowship

        Intensive One to Two Week Program – $2,000 – 2,500 (based on length)

        APPLY HERE!

        Maybe you’re almost done with school or you’re completely “over” your first job and you’re wondering what you should do next, or maybe you’re simply curious about what changing lives could look like.

        You’ve had a bit of interesting experience in and out of the classroom, and have learned a ton, but you’re in search of something more. More hands-on experience, something different.

        Everyone seems to be urging you to choose a career path, and perhaps you’ve already chosen medicine, but you just don’t know where you want to go yet. All you know is that you need more experience.

        You want to help make the world a better place. You want to see your impact on the lives of others, and where you are now, you just don’t see that happening.

        You’re craving something real, a professional experience, a connection to something that matters, and maybe even a change of scenery.

        Valuable, life-changing work is out there and it’s totally possible for you to be a part of it.

        Imagine, working side-by-side with a team of people who are changing lives: top plastic surgeons, pediatricians, dentists, practitioners, and more.

        • You’re excited to have a part in making a change that matters. Additionally, you’re part of a mission that’s bigger than yourself and it fills you with joy every single morning.
        • You’re getting an intimate peek at a potential future career all while getting to go deeper into your interest and curiosity in healthcare.
        • You’re traveling to a country you had only dreamed about visiting in the past. On another note, you get to combine meaningful work with your love of soaking up local culture.

        This is all possible, and more, and we can’t wait to show you how to get valuable, hands-on experience, and make an impact on others.

        Finally! You get a special kind of healthcare experience. A rare, up close and personal peek inside the operating room combined with international travel and mentorship from the best and brightest in the medical field.

        Alliance for Smiles (AfS) is a non-profit charitable organization that repairs children’s broken smiles by providing free comprehensive treatment for cleft lip and palate anomalies in under-served areas of the world.

        The International Medical Fellowship is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and opportunity to learn about cleft surgeries by supporting and observing highly trained doctors and nurses on an AfS mission. You’ll spend 6 to 10 days with the medical team plays a day or two to explore the city.

        The AfS team works side-by-side with local medical practitioners to exchange ideas on proper medical techniques and procedures, as well as to provide training and follow-up care. And you get to be there, right beside them.

        As a fellow on a mission, a portion of your investment will be dedicated on your behalf to one child’s transformational cleft surgery.

        Finally, you’ve found a cause you can get behind. You know without a doubt that this is your time to travel, learn, and make a difference.

        The International Medical Fellowship is for you if you are:

        • At least 18 years of age at the time of the trip  (If you’re under 18 when you apply, we’ll also need consent from your parent or guardian in writing)
        • A high school graduate
        • Curious about healthcare, a pre-medical student, an undergraduate student, or a medical student
        • Motivated to do life-changing work in a fellowship and ready to learn

        No more empty work—It’s time to experience inspiration and joy with a team as you help change lives for the better.

        With The International Medical Fellowship, you will:

        • Work side-by-side with local medical practitioners to exchange ideas on proper medical techniques and procedures, as well as to provide training and follow-up care
        • Travel to an under-served part of the world with two full days to explore
        • Be surrounded by mentors and teachers who are the best in the plastic surgery and reconstruction fields
        • Receive noteworthy volunteer hours – 80 hours of verified volunteer time and a certificate of completion
        • See the team’s impact in the form of beautiful smiles on children’s faces

         

        The International Medical Fellowship includes:

        Job Shadowing: You’ll shadow our expert team while learning what it takes to prepare for, conduct, and recover from cleft-lip surgery by rotating through each position. You’ll shadow professionals from plastic surgery to anesthesia, from record-keeping to holding beautiful babies.

        Small Group Mentorship: With up to four fellows per mission, you’ll have access to all the doctors and nurses from breakfast through dinner. You’ll stay at the same hotel, dine together, and shadow—both in and out of the operating room, throughout the day. You get to learn in a structured environment with a syllabus to guide you and allow you to test your own knowledge against our “must know” syllabus questions.

        Thinking Bigger: When we go on these missions, we go in with open minds. Since we don’t know everything in advance and we’re respectful of the locals’ knowledge, routines, and culture, we work with them shoulder-to-shoulder to establish routines and practices that work with the local equipment, education, and culture. This is also why we’re so passionate about our treatment centers. We have the opportunity to develop and educate the local hospitals and medical staff to an extent where they can be successful without us. You’ll develop international friendships and understanding to maintain and cultivate new levels of peace.

        A Fulfilling Day of Connection and Learning: Every mission looks a little different. Here’s a sample schedule:

        • You’ll rise and shine at 6:30 am to be ready to enjoy breakfast with the team at the hotel by 7 am
        • You and the team will walk to the hospital where surgeries begin at 8 am
        • Break for lunch with the local hospital staff and the medical team
        • Get ready for the second half of the day which ends at about 5:30 pm—just in time to wash up for dinner at 6: 30 pm
        • Each day, you’ll also get to do morning and evening rounds with the medical staff

        Travel Costs: Accommodations for 11 nights, ground transportation to and from the airport, 3 healthy meals a day, travel insurance, and administrative costs. Airfare is your responsibility.

        Verified Volunteer Hours: You’ll get 80 hours of verified volunteer time and a certificate of completion.

        A Safe and Secure Travel Experience: Working with our carefully vetted travel agency, they’ll help you book accommodations in the safest areas that typically have easy access to major roads, shopping areas, U.S. embassies, and the airport.

        Investment: $2,500

        We have tons of fundraising ideas to help you raise funds. For more information contact us at internship@allianceforsmiles.org or (415) 647-4481.

        For available mission dates, please see our Upcoming Missions

        Are you ready to give a deserving child a smile and an experience that will last a lifetime? Fantastic! Here’s how to apply:

        Step 1: Complete your Application

        Step 2: A team member will reach out to discuss the program with you – to answer any questions and make sure you feel comfortable. You’ll also submit the $500 deposit at this time.

        Step 3: You’ll receive all the information you need by email and we’ll work with you to ensure you’re fully prepared. In addition, you’ll pay the full amount before your departure..

         Any Questions? Contact our office

        Be part of our team. Take advantage of our special pricing. Call us at (415) 647-4481 to discuss.

        Get Involved

        Offer Operational Services

        About Alliance for Smiles

        Our Heroes

        Our Founders

        Alliance for Smiles was formally founded by five individuals: John Uth, John Goings, James Patrick, James Deitz and Anita Stangl. However, Alliance for Smiles wanted to recognize individuals who made a leap of faith in the concept of the work of Alliance for Smiles and decided to donate a minimum of $20,000 during the first four years of operation. They are also founders of Alliance for Smiles and will be recognized in perpetuity as such. The following individuals receive the honor of this unique position:

        Mr. Burton BerryMrs. Debbie Jefkin-Elnakave
        Mr. Bill BenterMr. Benjamin Lam
        Mr. Wilber BresemanMrs. Noime Liangco
        Dr. Wallace Chang, M.D.Dr. Thomas Mack, D.V.M.
        Ms. Cecile ChiquetteMr. Donald Parachini
        Dr. Scharleen Colant, Ph.D.Mr. James Patrick
        Dr. James Deitz, Ph.D.Ms. Esther Rebizzo
        Ms. Barbara FisherMs. Dee Dee Ricks
        Mr. John GoingsDr. Alan Stormo, M.D.
        Allan and Nancy HerzogMr. Eng-Rung Tsai
        Mr. Howard HoMr. John Uth
        The Family of TaipeiTai and Tony Wang (W.A.C. Lighting)
        Mr. Joseph HoffmanDr. Colin and Mrs. Silvana Wong

        Rotary Clubs who supported the work of Alliance for Smiles during its first four formative years with donations of $25,000 or more received the honor of being Founding Rotary Clubs. Alliance for Smiles recognizes three Rotary Clubs with this title and they will be recognized in perpetuity for their faith in the work and dreams of Alliance for Smiles.

        The Rotary Club of San Francisco

        The Rotary Club of Chicago

        The Rotary Club of Wanchai, Hong Kong

        Alliance for Smiles wishes to thank the above individuals and Rotary Clubs for their support which has helped Alliance for Smiles to not only facilitate medical missions during its first four years but to prosper and grow.

        Legacy Club

        In 2009 Alliance for Smiles launched its Legacy Campaign to encourage individuals to make a minimum $5000 one-time donation; or to make multiple donations through-out the year adding up to $5000. Participation in this campaign is recognized by membership in a special Legacy Club that will be publicized on the website, at the Gala and in literature. Everyone who donated a minimum $5000 by December 31, 2009 became a Charter Member of this very special Club.

        Legacy Club Charter MembersLegacy Club 2010-2011
        Burt BerryBurton Berry
        Wilber BresemanWilber Breseman
        Tai Can -WangTai Can-Wang
        Dr. Wallace ChangCecile Chiquette
        Cecile ChiquetteDavid De Roode
        David De RoodeJim Deitz
        James DeitzJohn Goings
        John GoingsAllan Herzog
        Allan HerzogSilvia Iselin
        Bing Shin HoMary Jensen
        Howard HoBenjamin Lam
        Joe HoffmanDr. Quentin Li
        Benjamin LamAnna Marie Marcias
        Edward LauDr. Thomas Mack
        Jojo and Noime LiangcoJames Patrick
        Dr. Thomas MackAngelo Rebizzo
        Gary MitchellDr. Colin Wong
        James PatrickEdith Richter
        Stacey QuoRobert and Kathryn Smith
        Eng Rung TsaiJohn Uth
        John UthDr. Karin Vargervik
        Karin Vargervik
        Dr. Colin Wong
        Choi Chung Yuen

        Individuals are inspired to volunteer and donate because of their belief in the work of an organization. Especially when considering humanitarian programs, the emotions felt because of participation in a program that changes lives can have a sincere and long lasting impact.

        For many, what an individual accomplishes during his or her lifetime is totally satisfying and fulfilling. Involvement in family, friends and work create a sense of well being. However, for those who want to make a mark in another way and share more of their talents and wealth with humanitarian concerns, involvement in a cause can be extremely rewarding. When they pass, they will have left a humanitarian legacy.

        Those people involved in the work of Alliance for Smiles, whether as volunteers or donors, are leaving a legacy that goes beyond the lives of the children receiving surgery. It extends to the patients’ families and to their villages. Alliance for Smiles heals tens of thousands of lives when considering the extended community affected.

        To carry on the work of Alliance for Smiles, funding is crucial. Therefore, those individuals who are willing and able to make significant donations are core to program sustainability. These individuals have the opportunity to allow the work of Alliance for Smiles to progress, building on an impressive past.

        Therefore in 2009 Alliance for Smiles launched its Legacy Campaign to encourage individuals to make a minimum $5000 one time or multiple time donation to the work of AfS. Participation in this campaign will be recognized by membership in a special Legacy Club that will be publicized on the website, at the Gala and in literature. Everyone who donated a minimum $5000 by December 31, 2009 became a Charter Member of this very special Club.

        Volunteer Awards

        YearVolunteer of the YearDistinguished ServiceJohn Uth AwardLifetime AchievementChildren's Champion
        2008Barbara Fisher
        2009Dave FowlerDr. Colin Wong
        2010Wilber BresemanDr. Wally Chang
        2011Dr. Quentin LiJohn Goings
        2012Dr. Karin VargervikJohn Uth
        2013Tina HollcroftBarbara FisherBurton Berry
        2014Dr. Chih-Chen FangTina HollcroftRotary Club of Wanchai
        2015Mary JensenRotary International
        2016Dr. Billy De ShazoSTOP Cleft International Alliance
        2017Rosemary WeldeDavid FowlerShanghai Ciguang Skin Health Foundation
        2018Dorothy FerreiraTai Wang & WAC LightingDr. Colin Wong
        2019Becky Steed, RNDr. Karl WustrackDr. Chih-Chen FangDr. Karin Vargervik
        2020Mary LiuDr. Deinde ShogaTina FischlinJohn Goings
        2021Nan MaddenRosemary WeldeJean and Dave RosenblumBurt and Joan Berry
        2022Pat LaRoccoLinda Stewart & Doug BerryDr. Chih-Chen Fang
        2023Dr. Susan TaylorBarbara FisherTina Fischlin
        2024Rochelle StacksSusan & John DeanDr. Karl Wustrack

        Decade of Leadership Awards

        In order to celebrate dedication to AfS on the occasion of our 10th Anniversary, the Decade of Leadership Award was created to honor four remarkable individuals who have given of their skills and talents from the beginning days of Alliance for Smiles.

        • Barbara Fisher
        • John Goings
        • Dr. Karin Vargervik
        • Dr. Colin Wong

        Lifetime Achievement Award

        • Dr. Colin Wong
        • Dr. Karin Vargervik
        • John Goings

        Children’s Champion Award

        • Burt and Joan Berry
        Stay Connected

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