The University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry and pediatric specialists at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview recently joined forces to offer interdisciplinary care for children with Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS), the most common syndrome associated with cleft palates. Anna Thurmes, Ph.D. student in the Family Social Science Department, is completing her dissertation on the psychosocial impact of VCFS on families.

Now, under one roof, specialists in cardiology, genetics, rheumatology/immunology, psychiatry, plastic surgery, speech-language pathology, otolaryngology, audiology, nursing, and dentistry have formed an integrated team that provides care for patients at the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Clinics. More on VCFS