Serena Kassam

Congratulations to Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Serena Kassam, who has been named the winner of the 2021 YWCA Woman of Distinction award in the “Health and Wellness” category.

The award recognizes extraordinary women and businesses in the Vancouver area, who have made a significant and sustained difference to their community through improved health and wellness practices.

Dr. Kassam received the award for her work in the treatment of cleft lip and palate. She is a founding member of the World Cleft Coalition, an alliance of NGOs that work in the area of cleft lip and palate, and encourages international collaboration on best practices for safe comprehensive care. In addition, as a leader in the Global Smile Foundation, and co-founder of the Global Fellowship in Craniofacial Pediatric Dentistry, she was able to establish a clinic in Ecuador, offering advanced training on cleft lip and palate to dental providers from around the world.