Shaping Faces, Shaping Dreams:

My journey to becoming a Craniofacial Surgeon

Article from Israel

I am Dr. Abboud Mbadda, a 36-year-old, oral and maxillofacial surgeon specialist, born in Tel Aviv-Jaffa into a supportive and nurturing family. I grew up with supportive parents who instilled in us the value of hard work and learning, in an academically driven environment alongside my two sisters, both of whom pursued careers in medicine. As a child, I was both inquisitive and, admittedly, a bit naughty—my boundless energy and "creative experiments" often kept my family on their toes. Perhaps this was one of the reasons we eventually moved to Haifa, a city known for its excellent educational opportunities.

Today, I am fortunate to share my life with my wife, Afnan, a dentist and researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my journey, both professionally and personally.

Beyond surgery, sports have always been a big part of my life. Growing up in Jaffa next to the sea, I used to surf on a daily basis. As a teenager, I won multiple Judo Championship titles, earning numerous medals and trophies along the way. Later in my adult life, I embraced CrossFit and recently developed a passion for tennis. My love for the sea never faded, and two years ago, I earned a sailing license to navigate a 24-foot yacht, finding the open water to be my perfect place to recharge.

I completed my schooling at the Orthodox Arab College in Haifa and then pursued dentistry at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Jordan, graduating in 2013. During my dental studies, I discovered my passion for surgery and knew without a doubt that this was my path. After a year and a half of working as a general dentist, I was accepted into one of the most prestigious residency programs at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. Under the mentorship of Prof. Nardy Casap, I was trained rigorously, challenged beyond limits, and inspired to push the boundaries of my knowledge.

During my residency, I served as chief resident for nearly three years, gaining invaluable leadership and clinical expertise while also presenting at local and international conferences and building lifelong professional connections. At the same time, I faced one of the most difficult personal challenges—the sudden passing of my father. Balancing this loss with the demands of my training was not easy, but my commitment to my patients and the ability to improve their lives gave me purpose. Focusing on their well-being helped me push through the hardship, reinforcing my dedication to my work and my growth as a surgeon.

Following my five-year residency, I became a senior doctor in the department while simultaneously pursuing my medical degree at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Balancing both roles was extremely demanding, but despite the challenges, I successfully completed my medical degree in 2022. The dual qualification is more than just a title; it has deepened my ability to integrate dentistry and medicine, opened doors to complex cases and advanced interdisciplinary collaboration and ultimately fostered my pursuit of excellence in patient care.

I have always been ambitious and eager to push my limits, with securing a fellowship at the top of my priorities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic made securing a cleft and craniofacial surgery fellowship difficult due to travel restrictions and policy changes. It was frustrating, but I remained determined. I used this time to strengthen my CV, refine my surgical skills, and continue growing through real-world experience, academic learning, and professional development. 

When the IAOMS Foundation Fellowship Program re-opened its applications in 2023, I applied without hesitation. The selection process was highly competitive, involving a personal interview. Being chosen from hundreds of qualified maxillofacial surgeons worldwide was both an honor and a defining moment in my career. I still remember the moment I received my acceptance email during a hectic workday—my heart pounded as I took a screenshot and immediately sent it to my wife with a simple message: "Get ready for a new adventure! We are going to India!”

With the support of Prof. Casap, I reached this milestone and was accepted into a one-year fellowship in cleft and craniofacial surgery at the GSR Institute of Craniofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery in Hyderabad, India - under the esteemed supervision of Prof. Srinivas Gosla Reddy. At that time, reaching India was not easy. The ongoing war in Israel made flights scarce and travel logistics complex. After an exhausting 18-hour journey with two long layovers, we finally arrived—along with our beloved dog, Mylo, who, to our surprise, adapted faster than us!

Adjusting to life in India was a challenge—everything felt new, from the rich spices and vibrant traditions to religious customs and daily routines. The language barrier added to the difficulty, making the acclimation process even more daunting. Yet, as we traveled, immersed ourselves in the culture, and connected with the people, we found ourselves not just adapting but truly embracing the experience, turning every challenge into a meaningful and enriching journey.

My daily routine in Hyderabad is intense yet fulfilling. I wake up early and start my morning by playing tennis at sunrise for one hour, and by 9:00 a.m., I am in the hospital, ready for another demanding day in the operating room. We operate five to six days a week, running two operation theaters that allow us to manage a high volume of cases efficiently. On average, we perform 8 surgeries per day, each presenting unique challenges and learning opportunities, while the remaining days are dedicated to outpatient care. As surgeons, our days have no clock-out time—but the rush of a complex procedure, the spark of gratitude in a patient’s eyes, make every long hour worth it!

As Prof. Gosla often says, "Everyone performs cleft surgeries, but the spices at GSR are different." The institute has developed innovative surgical techniques that set it apart, continuously advancing cleft and craniofacial surgery. Training under the mentorship of Prof. Srinivas Gosla Reddy has been a transformative experience—not only in refining surgical techniques but also in understanding the deeper mission behind our work. The hospital operates as a charity-driven institution, providing free surgical care to cleft patients while also pioneering the Cleft School Hostel—a remarkable initiative that ensures children not only receive life-changing surgeries but also have a safe place to live and pursue their education, free of cost.

Beyond the operating room, I have had the privilege of presenting at both local and international conferences, further enriching my academic and professional growth while also actively contributing to contributing to new publications.

The fellowship program has been a defining chapter in my life, reinforcing my commitment to cleft and craniofacial surgery. Beyond personal growth, it underscores IAOMS’s global impact in shaping the next generation of surgeons and advancing surgical techniques. The diversity of cases, treatment philosophy, and hands-on approach at the GSR Institute have broadened my perspective in ways I never imagined.

More than just a professional milestone, this experience has deepened my belief in the power of medicine to change lives and strengthened my dedication to giving back. As I move forward, I carry invaluable lessons, lifelong friendships, and refined surgical skills that will shape my future practice. Just as I have grown from this journey, I am committed to sharing knowledge and mentoring future surgeons. For me, cleft surgery is more than just closing a gap—it’s about opening opportunities, restoring confidence, and transforming futures, and I am honored to be part of this mission.