From Mentor to Mission Partner: Dr. Paul Kloostra’s Journey with Smiles Unite Us

When you meet Dr. Paul Kloostra, you immediately recognize a rare combination of surgical skill, compassion, and quiet leadership. With nearly a decade of experience at Charleston Area Medical Center and specialized training from the University of Michigan, Dr. Kloostra has devoted his life to cleft and craniofacial surgery—restoring both function and confidence in his patients.

A Mission of Healing and Continuity

After months of preparation, our team at Smiles Unite Us embarked on a journey that would change lives forever. On February 15th, we touched down in Karachi, Pakistan, ready to provide life-changing surgical care to children born with cleft lip and palate. Over the course of a week, our dedicated team performed 20 transformative surgeries, giving children the chance to smile, speak, and thrive.