Dive Into the Lives of OMF Surgeons Around the World

Maysaa Abbas Fadil, a dental student from Iraq, shares her journey toward oral and maxillofacial surgery while living with systemic lupus erythematosus. Her story reflects resilience, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to patient care shaped by personal experience.

Innovation has always been central to progress in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, yet the specialty is entering a new era where traditional clinical mastery must be paired with innovation leadership. In this reflective article, Dr. Alterman explores how the profession’s evolution—shaped by expanded MD-integrated training, deeper participation in the medical ecosystem, and increased collaboration with research and industry—demands a broader skill set from today’s surgeons.

On February 13, oral and maxillofacial surgeons around the world come together to recognize the impact of their work — not in abstract terms, but in lived outcomes. International OMS Day is about what happens when technical expertise meets human need.

Dr. Rafael Ruiz Rodriguez (1952–2024) was a beloved leader in oral and maxillofacial surgery, known for his expertise in cleft care and his dedication to teaching. As Professor and Director at UNAM, he led surgical missions across Mexico and beyond, training surgeons and transforming lives. A respected lecturer and prolific author, Rafa’s compassion, humility, and global impact leave a lasting legacy in the OMFS community.

Seth Delpachitra, Head of OMS at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, outlines the challenges of integrating OMS into dental school curricula in Australia. He highlights the need for clinical leadership, stronger university-hospital ties, and consistent national standards to ensure students gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the specialty.

After a year of hard work behind the scenes, we presented the new Face to Face platform to both the IAOMS Executive Committee and to the Counselors representing our member countries. Sharing our vision for the future of Face to Face in these two important forums was both exciting and deeply inspiring.

A day in the life of Dr Muralidhara Nagarjuna from Bangalore.

Discover 5 practical and effective tips to help you prepare for your board exams

Hello, my name is Farangis (Fara) Farsio and I am currently a third year oral and maxillofacial surgery resident at University at Buffalo, who just completed medical school. Navigating through medical school can be challenging, so I wanted to share my resources and mindset throughout this period.