The experience and excellence of the hospital for rehabilitation of craniofacial anomalies, university of São Paulo (HRAC/USP), in the rehabilitative treatment of cleft lip and palate

The Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo (HRAC/USP), a world class reference in the treatment of cleft lip and palate and hearing loss, was born in the 1960’s decade in the heart of the Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (FOB/USP). During the development of an epidemiologic research project, Professor José Alberto de Souza Freitas (“Tio Gastão”), noticed the critical requirement of specialized care to the patients affected by cleft lip and palate and hearing loss. With the sufferings of the patients presenting facial anomalies as a central motivation, the group started working in a groundbreaking project to build a hospital exclusively dedicated to treat these patients. Along with a group of professors and with the support of FOB/USP, a modest initiative to improve the quality of life of some patients was in fact the cornerstone that resulted in the HRAC/USP. Upon its creation, in a relatively small town located in the center of São Paulo state, in a critical period (Brazilian government was under the control of military dictatorship) with scarce funds to the development of any project, the HRAC/USP created its own environment in order to evolve and overcome the challenge to bring into the academy a critical social and health problem. Despite the entire unfavorable scenario, the dream came true. Today, 46 years after its creation, it is amazing to see that more than a world class reference in patients care and in the research in the