Cleft Lip and Palate: Early Orthopedic Intervention, Surgery, and Rehabilitation

etired Senior Director of the Division of Speech-Language Pathology at Cincinnati Children’s and Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Otolaryngology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; currently Professor Emeritus at UCCOM. Extensive publication record: 70 peer-reviewed articles, 31 book chapters, and 4 books, including Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide to Clinical Management, 4th Edition. Co-developer of the Simplified Nasometric Assessment Procedures (SNAP) test, incorporated in the PENTAX Medical nasometer. Highly experienced educator and speaker: over 300 national and 100 international lectures/seminars, and taught graduate-level craniofacial courses at five universities. Recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the “Honors of the Association” from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the organization’s highest award.

Dual degrees in Medicine and Surgery and Dentistry from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, with specialization in Maxillofacial Surgery (Vall d’Hebron Hospital) and certification from the European Board of Oro-Maxillo-Facial Surgery (FEBOMS). PhD in Medicine and Surgery (Excellent Cum Laude) and Master in Clinical Research Design and Analysis from the University of Barcelona, with active involvement in national and European research projects and publications in high-impact journals. Extensive clinical expertise in orthognathic and temporomandibular joint surgery, salivary gland surgery, and congenital maxillofacial pathology, including fellowship at the Comprehensive Cleft Care Center of Operation Smile. Experienced educator and course coordinator: Associate Professor at the International University of Catalonia, coordinating multiple national and international courses in orthognathic surgery, surgical orthodontics, and facial harmonization. Active member of national and international scientific societies, supervising theses and contributing to teaching, research, and clinical advancement in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Scientific Director and Craniofacial Orthodontic Consultant at major Italian centers, including Operation Smile Italy (CLP Center, Santi Paolo e Carlo Hospital, Milan) and IRCCS San Gerardo Hospital, Monza. Adjunct Professor in Craniofacial Anomalies for Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics residency programs at the University of Milan. Leadership roles in international organizations: Past-President (2019–2024) and current Vice President of the European Cleft Lip and Palate Craniofacial Association (ECPCA), as well as representative within the European Reference Network (ERNs). Advanced academic background including Specialty in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and Master in Medical Sciences from Harvard University (1995). Extensive international clinical training in craniofacial and surgical orthodontics, including fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago and internships in Taiwan, Japan, and Mexico.