Operation Smile Medical Mission: Mae Hong Son
Our Wells Red Cross Club students recently returned from a transformative second annual medical mission with Operation Smile Thailand in Mae Hong Son from February 21–24, 2026. Kirsten (Grade 11), Naya (Grade 11), Ashmi (Grade 10), and Stella (Grade 9) traveled to Sri Sangwan Hospital to support life-changing cleft lip/palate surgeries and burn recovery care for children from remote communities. Partnering with Operation Smile since 2024, these students immersed themselves in four intense days of screening, surgery support, and compassionate patient care.
The mission began with comprehensive briefings and hands-on preparation as students packed Smile Bags filled with soap, toothpaste, mirrors, and combs to help young patients prepare for surgery. The following day brought them face-to-face with families during the screening process—entertaining anxious children through games and creative performances while decorating the children’s ward with colorful balloons to create moments of joy. They conducted meaningful interviews with volunteer doctors and dentists, gaining insights into surgical procedures and patient journeys, including a poignant conversation with a burn survivor who had suffered an electric shock.
Day three offered unforgettable ward and operating room visits, including an audience with Medical Field Director Dr. Apichai Angspatt. Students witnessed the surgical environment firsthand and connected deeply with pre- and post-op patients. Their final day included closing ward check-ins before departing Mae Hong Son, leaving with profound gratitude for the experience.
Naya (Grade 11, aspiring biomedical scientist) shared, “Everyone should have a right to smile. If you have the ability to help, you should… The most meaningful was decorating the ward—we blew up balloons and bonded with patients.” Ashmi (Grade 10, STEM enthusiast) reflected, “My first time seeing cleft lip… Hearing parents’ stories made me understand their challenges. It inspired me to study harder for medical school—I’ll be more empathetic but not overwhelmed.”
Both students emphasized communication skills across language barriers and true global citizenship: “Do it because you want to, not to look good.” The experience reinforced their extracurricular commitments—Ashmi’s piano for relaxation, Naya’s Siriraj Hospital nutrition research—while clarifying their passion-driven paths to medical careers.
This service trip embodied servant leadership and Wells’ mission, fostering empathy, teamwork, and real-world medical insights beyond textbooks. We’re immensely proud of these global citizens creating lasting impact, with gratitude to Operation Smile Thailand and Wells Red Cross Club. More missions await!
#WellsCAS #OperationSmile #ServiceLearning #MaeHongSon #GlobalCitizens
