Barry Steinberg, MD, PhD, DDS, a University of Florida associate professor who specializes in pediatric maxillofacial and craniofacial surgery, helped lead a team of doctors and nurses to Vietnam in April to perform free operations for children whose faces have been disfigured by birth defects, accidents or other causes.

The 20-member team composed of UF Health and other specialists nationwide represented the Facing Futures Foundation that Steinberg created about 15 years ago. Its purpose is to help young patients whose families have no financial means for treatment.

While Vietnam is not the only place the foundation has visited, it has become a primary destination due to the high level of need. This is the group’s 19th trip to the country since it formed.

The most recent mission took place in the city of Hoi An in the Quang Nam province and lasted 12 days. During that time, the team evaluated and treated more than 40 children with such deformities as clefts, lid ptosis (a drooping or falling of the upper or lower eyelid) and various skin lesions. In addition to performing procedures, doctors and nurses educated Vietnamese health care workers and provided them with the latest equipment to address oral and maxillofacial issues.