Humble beginnings: Doctor born with a birth defect pays it forward

Forgive Dr. Canallatos for taking off her mask when talking with some of her patients and their families.

She does so, at a safe distance, to underline the truth for those jarred when a baby is born with cleft lip and palate.

The facial difference will pass in time, with proper care, determination and support.

Canallatos is the rare specialist who can make the point so clearly.

She was born with the condition 32 years ago, and now works for the team that mended her birth defect during childhood.

Buffalo News