About Us

The Thomas D. Cronin & Raymond O. BrauerCleft Palate and Facial Reconstruction Clinic

A Ministry of CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare

Through medical and surgical intervention, patients with cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies can improve their physical condition; thus restoring the hope for a brighter future. Whether the deformity is congenital or acquired, whether the patient is an adult or a child - it takes the skilled hands of a dedicated multidisciplinary team to help put the pieces back together.

The Cronin and Brauer Cleft Palate and Facial Reconstruction Clinic has set a goal to offer the highest standards of comprehensive care and treatment for patients with congenital cranial and facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate, traumatic facial disfigurement incurred through injury or surgery, and developmental distortion from excessive or restricted growth of facial parts such as the upper and lower jaw.

Ernest D. Cronin, M.D., F.A.C.S.

is board certified in plastic surgery and has been teaching plastic surgery residents since 1978. He is the Medical Director of the Cronin and Brauer Cleft Palate and Reconstruction Clinic. Dr. Cronin is also the Founder and Medical Director of Operation San Jose, a mission program that travels annually to developing countries in Latin America to provide plastic surgery services to underserved children with cleft lip and palate deformities.

The Multidisciplinary Core Team

Fundamental to meeting the patient’s needs is a team approach involving the core disciplines.

Plastic Surgery	Speech Pathology
Otolaryngology	Orthodontia
Social Services	Nutritional Services

Dr. Ernest D. Cronin serves as the Medical Director of this team. The core team members include:

• Ernest D. Cronin, M.D., Plastic Surgery
• Donna R. Fox, Ph.D., Speech Pathology
• Paul W. Gidley, M.D., Otolaryngology
• Daniel D. Louie, D.D.S., Ph.D., Orthodontia
• Tyara C. Barge, L.M.S.W., Social Work
• Patrick M. Conoley, M.D., Radiology/ Videofluoroscopy
• Leticia R. Lopez, Program Coordinator

Patients are seen by the team at no charge. The team creates a treatment plan which provides recommendations regarding speech, ear, nose & throat, and dental care. Treatment plans include recommendation for surgeries.

Additional consultations are also available in the following specialties which support the team:

Incorporating a 50-year legacy in the field of plastic surgery, the Clinic is a diagnostic, consultative, treatment and support services resource for the Houston Community.

Thomas D. Cronin, M.D. and Raymond O. Brauer, M.D. were partners for over 40 years. These two physicians are recognized internationally for numerous breakthroughs in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.