Ana Ghanizadegan ENT Resident, Prague Expand I am a resident in ENT, Head and Neck Surgery with a strong personal and professional connection to cleft care. As a medical student, I founded and led the first CLEFT charity branch in the Czech Republic, organizing fundraising events and building a sustainable student team. Through my clinical work, I regularly care for patients with cleft conditions and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Outside of medicine, I enjoy yoga, reading, and spending time in nature, which helps me maintain balance alongside my clinical and charitable commitments.
Joshua Kennedy NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow, University of Bristol Expand Hi, I’m Joshua. I’m an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow at the University of Bristol, with a research focus on cleft lip +/- palate (CLP). I first became involved with CLEFT as an undergraduate dental student and now I am Vice Chair of the Trainee Section, where I support engagement and collaboration across committees. My research uses data from the Cleft Collective to explore how early-life and maternal factors influence cleft phenotype and outcomes. I’m particularly passionate about strengthening CLP education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, alongside contributing to UK–Nepal initiatives as well as fundraising efforts, including running the Berlin Marathon (2023) and this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon.
Will Raby-Smith I’m currently working as a junior doctor completing my foundation programme at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. Expand I aim to train in maxillofacial surgery and look forward to undertaking my dental studies at King's College London in August 2023. I first developed an interest in cleft surgery at medical school and was immediately drawn to the profound functional, aesthetic, psychological and social impacts of such surgery. After reading about CLEFT’s work in the UK and overseas, I contacted the trustees to see how I could get involved. Alongside Shonnelly Novintan and Yul Khan-Pascual, we created the Trainee Section to provide a community where junior trainees can collaborate on projects to further CLEFT’s charitable aims.
Shonnelly Novintan I’m looking forward to taking on this exciting journey with Will to form and shape the CLEFT Trainee Section. Expand I am a junior doctor who graduated from Imperial College London in 2021 and am undertaking my plastics training in Chelmsford. My interest in cleft lip and palate began after my elective at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where I first saw the meticulous nature of cleft surgery. After getting involved with CLEFT, I was enlightened to the global humanitarian impact and this has spurred my passion to develop the Trainee Section alongside Will.
Zhi Yin Lim Academic Dental Foundation Trainee at Newcastle Expand I qualified from Queen's University Belfast and am currently in my dental foundation training in the North East. During my time at university, I was an active fundraiser for CLEFT, an experience which sparked my interest in cleft lip and palate. I am passionate about raising awareness and education around hollistic and sustainable approaches to cleft care and am excited to contribute to the Trainee section this year.
India Barrons FY1 doctor currently working in Edinburgh. Expand I’m a FY1 doctor currently working in Edinburgh. I’ve been fundraising for CLEFT for the past few years as a student ambassador, so I’m delighted to join the trainee section now that I’ve graduated. Completing my first rotation in OMFS and plastics has further developed my interest in CLEFT care, so I’m even more excited to work with the team to grow CLEFT’s network both here in the UK and globally, through sustainable project development, more fundraising and outreach events!
Alexandra Robinson I am a foundation doctor who graduated from UCL medical school in 2023, I now work at Southport Hospital in the Merseyside and West Lancashire NHS trust. Expand I first became passionate about the intricacies of plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery at medical school, when I spent time with highly skilled plastic hand surgeons at the Royal Free Hospital and soon after undertook an Elective in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with the plastic and burns unit. After hearing about CLEFT through a friend, I read about the missions and unique work they’ve done to create permanent and sustainable ways to improve cleft care in the UK and overseas. I instantly knew I wanted to get involved in the volunteering and trainee section. By the end of 2024, I hope to complete a charity run, get involved with Outreach projects in Liverpool and London, and contribute to ongoing resource projects with the other trainees at the charity.
Karishma Patel Junior doctor, Merseyside Expand HI! My name is Karishma. I graduated from Manchester Medical School in 2023 and currently work as a junior doctor in Merseyside. During my rotations, I developed a strong interest in plastic surgery, particularly after my elective at a specialist centre, where I saw the breadth of skills and creativity involved in the field. CLEFT Trainees stood out to me for its commitment to education, networking, and sustainable global surgery. As Events Lead, I aim to expand CLEFT’s presence at regional events, bringing together trainees and experts to share knowledge and inspire innovation in cleft surgery. I hope to introduce more workshops and networking opportunities, fostering a collaborative community dedicated to improving global surgical care.
Kurchi Mitra I am an Academic Foundation Doctor working at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital Trusts. Expand My first encounter with cleft surgery was during my medical student elective at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where I was immediately drawn to its life-changing impact on patients and the potential to improve surgical care globally. With a longstanding passion for global health, I was inspired by the incredible research, outreach, and fundraising efforts that Cleft has undertaken over the years, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. This year, I am thrilled to join the Trainee section as Communications Lead. I look forward to expanding the charity’s reach through social media, fundraising, and outreach events.
Rhiannon Nielsen Junior doctor, South Wales Expand I am currently working as a surgical research fellow and hoping to pursue a career in cleft surgery. I was first exposed to cleft surgery during my final year of university and elective and became fascinated by the intricacies and creativity that the speciality involved. I worked with CLEFT as the lead student ambassador for my university and am excited to be back working with a team so committed to outreach, education and research. This year I plan to fundraise through a mixture of artistic projects and outreach events. I am also running a half marathon in May and will be raising money for CLEFT during the run up to this. I'm really excited to see what this year brings and work with such a fantastic team to raise money and awareness for the charity.
Lotus Tannish Junior Doctor, Prague Expand I graduated in General Medicine from Charles University and am passionate about pursuing a career in Plastic Surgery. Understanding the global impact of cleft conditions, I was delighted to be involved in the Student Section three years ago and am now excited to continue my contribution as a Junior Doctor in the Trainee Section. Being part of the CLEFT team is inspiring, and I’m excited to work alongside such a dedicated and supportive group, even from abroad. I can’t wait to see all the work we’ll accomplish this year.
Romilly Nicholls Foundation Year 2 Doctor, Northern Ireland Expand I am a Foundation Year 2 doctor currently working in Northern Ireland. I hope to specialise in Plastics and pursue a career in Cleft Surgery. My interest in this field was first sparked during a student-selected component at university. I was inspired by the profound impact this work has on the quality of life of children born with cleft lips and palates. I am excited to be working within the trainee CLEFT team this year and look forward to raising awareness through organising projects and outreach events.
Anna Chiara Corriero Surgical Trainee, Edinburgh Expand My name is Anna, and I am a Plastics-themed Core Surgical Trainee based in Edinburgh. I am delighted to be joining the CLEFT trainee team and feel privileged to contribute to such a meaningful and impactful community. During this time, I am eager to build on my previous cleft-related experience, including a paediatric plastics elective during medical school and several research projects that I have completed and presented internationally. These opportunities have introduced me to the strong sense of collaboration and support within the cleft community, and I am very much looking forward to deepening my involvement through this role.
Connor Fox Joint Dental Foundation Core Trainee, York Expand I am a Joint Dental Foundation Core Trainee who has recently graduated from Newcastle University, with hopes to work and train in maxillofacial surgery. I was first made aware of CLEFT and their work during my time at university where I joined the student ambassador team, all of which has sparked my interest in cleft lip and palate. Last year I raised nearly £700 through a series of bake sales in Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as helping to organise some other events across the North of England. I am looking forward to contributing towards the Trainee team this year and contributing towards CLEFT’s overall mission!
Aisha Sadueva Dentist and Medicine Graduate, Prague Expand I am a dentist and a graduate of the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague. I have a longstanding interest in cleft lip and palate, with a particular focus on the treatment in regards to functional and aesthetic aspects of dentition in affected patients. I learned about the CLEFT charity through colleagues and was impressed by the impact of its work in supporting individuals in need. I am honoured to be part of the team and to contribute to raising awareness of the organization and its mission.
Afra Rahim Dental Core Trainee in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, South London Expand Hello! My name is Afra and I’m a Dental Core Trainee in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) with an interest in paediatrics and oral surgery. I studied dentistry at the University of Sheffield, graduating with honours in 2024. My curiosity around global health began during my undergraduate elective in Brazil, where I witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing dental care. This experience shaped my ambition to contribute to improving equity in oral health, both at home and abroad. Now based in South London, I’m thoroughly enjoying my OMFS training post at King’s College Hospital, and embracing every learning opportunity that comes with it. Outside of work you’ll usually find me running, flowing through a yoga class, or bakery-hopping my way across London in search of the city’s best treats! I’m also a keen traveller, baker and creative, my current goal being to master crochet and the perfect sourdough loaf. As a new member of CLEFT’s trainee section this year, I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the team and can’t wait to get involved in all the exciting things ahead!
Lorenzo Verani Surgical Trainee, Wessex Expand Hi, I’m Lorenzo. I am a plastics-themed Core Surgical Trainee in Wessex and a graduate of Imperial College London, with a strong interest in pursuing a career in cleft surgery. I became interested in cleft surgery during my medical school elective in Italy, where I was exposed to cleft care and its positive impact on patients and their families. I was drawn to CLEFT's commitment to improving cleft care in a permanent and sustainable way through a combination of education, outreach, and fundraising, both in the UK and internationally. I am particularly excited to join the trainee section to help raise funds and awareness, and to support the charity’s wider educational and outreach activities.
William Lytle Psychiatry Resident, Prague Expand I am a psychiatry resident in Prague with an interest in how health conditions affect self-image and mental well-being. I was introduced to CLEFT by friends while I was still in medical school and was immediately impressed by how directly the organisation works to reduce social stigma. This connects closely with my field, where confidence, identity, and social inclusion are central themes. I am interested in supporting children and families affected by cleft conditions and helping promote understanding, acceptance, and access to care.