HRAC-USP Centrinho Bauru

History

Since its inception in 1967, HRAC-USP Centrinho Bauru has been a pioneer in treating cleft lip and palate both in Brazil and around the world. Today, more than 53 years and 100,000 patients later, it continues to be a global leader in innovative, high-quality, patient-centered cleft care.

Smile Train has been a proud partner of HRAC-USP Centrinho Bauru since 2017, supporting essential care for more than 3,000 patients with clefts and counting. The center’s expert medical team includes Professor Nivaldo Alonso, a member of Smile Train’s Brazil Medical Advisory Council (BMAC) and Global Medical Advisory Board; Dr. Terumi Okada, a BMAC member; and Dr. Cristiano Tonello, a BMAC member. As a Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center, Smile Train will support HRAC-USP Centrinho Bauru in expanding its historical leadership role through ever-growing research, education, and training opportunities and treatment programs that will position it as a resource hub for patients and providers across Brazil. Smile Train and HRAC-USP Centrinho Bauru are excited to work together to transform cleft care in Brazil – and ensure that every child with a cleft receives the care they deserve.

"This is certainly a major milestone in the path of pioneering and innovation at HRAC-USP. In addition to recognizing the leadership and reputation of our institution and the high standard of the services we provide, the expansion of this partnership will enable improvements in our physical infrastructure, equipment, and new technologies. This will benefit our research, training, and health care activities. It is an honor for the HRAC-USP team to be able to contribute their expertise to the continued development of highly qualified, specialized professionals across our country and region.”

Professor Carlos Ferreira dos Santos
Superintendent
HRAC-USP (Centrinho Bauru)

“As a Smile Train Cleft Leadership Center in Brazil, HRAC-USP Centrinho Bauru will elevate the level of training we are able to offer to surgical and anesthesia professionals in the Americas. Their association with the renowned University of São Paulo, and their strength in research will empower other cleft teams to conduct and publish more research. The education and training they will now provide to medical professionals throughout the region will build urgently needed pediatric surgical and anesthesia capacity across South America.”

Shannon M. Lambert
Smile Train Vice President & Regional Director
Americas & Europe

“This partnership with HRAC-USP Centrinho Bauru, the largest and oldest center for cleft treatment in the country (if not the entire Americas region), marks a historical moment for both HRAC-USP Centrinho Bauru and Smile Train in Brazil. We are so proud to invest in these programs and continue to support the highest quality of care for people with clefts in Brazil.”

Mariane Goes
Smile Train Area Director
South America

Comprehensive cleft care programs at HRAC-USP Centrinho Bauru include: