PhilanthropyMark A. Anton MD, FACS

Operation Smile

Dr. Anton has been a supporter and participant in Operation Smile (OS) almost since its humble but ambitious beginnings in Norfolk, Virginia to its current worldwide network that extends into more than 60 countries. In 1989, he had the great fortune to complete a facial surgery Fellowship with Dr. William Magee, Jr., who along with his wife, Kathy, founded Operation Smile in 1982. Since its inception, the nonprofit has provided more than 2 million patient evaluations and over 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities.

Dr. Anton’s first trip with OS was in 1999 when he traveled to war torn Liberia. Since then, he’s made several more medical missions, one to Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010; Nyeri, Africa in 2011; and Bolivia, South America in 2012. It is as much a spiritual journey for Dr. Anton as it is a professional one. He tells his plastic surgery patients that seeing the beauty in the simplicity and often poverty of the places he visits is moving and life affirming.

As Dr. Anton plans for his next OS adventure, he continues his support fundraising efforts and sponsored events. He encourages all of his patients to visit the Operation Smile website and experience for themselves the great work being done around the world. Currently, Dr. Anton is involved in helping raise money for the new Operation Smile global headquarters, educational, research and training facility being built in Norfolk, Virginia.

Help a great cause

Donate to Operation Smile