WFSA Foundation Report 2010

Activities on behalf of furthering the work and needs of the Foundation are ongoing. Posters and literature are included in the WFSA exhibit at select National and Regional Anesthesia Meetings.  The Publications Committee has frequently included information and needs for Foundation support. The WFSA web page has continued to encourage donations through the internet. Many of the WFSA sponsored teaching activities by the Education Committee provide opportunities for the needs of that area that can be used for solicitations for Foundation donations.                                          

Donations for the past year totaled in the $18,000-$20,000 range. In addition, there are designated donations for specific countries or programs. Some donations have been added to those. The Foundation will approach those designated recipient programs and distribute funds directed toward their teaching and medical needs.

This past year, we have had requests for ongoing assistance to the Anesthesia teaching programs in Rwanda. The Canadian Anesthesiology Society and the American Society of Anesthesiology have continued to provide monthly rotations of anesthesiologists in support of their 4 year residency program. Dr Franco Carli of the CAS assumed the direction of that program from Dr. Enright when she became president of WFSA. That program has graduated its first class of residents this past year.

We have also received a request from Liberia to help support their hospital rebuilding program. Their existing hospital was destroyed in that country’s past civil war. They have some support from their Government and some of the churches. Their greatest need is for maternal and surgical services. We will try to provide some help for those programs.

The Foundation thanks the WFSA Officers, Executive Committee and the various Committees of the WFSA for their service on behalf of the WFSA to the many needy areas of the world where we have taught, provided books and supplies, and clinical care. The need is ever greater.

Respectfully Submitted
Phillip O. Bridenbaugh MD
Chair, WFSA Foundation