Named Gift Opportunities
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF) are dedicated to the highest standards in the teaching and practice of plastic surgery. In the areas of education, research, patient education and practice management, ASPS/PSEF plays an integral role in the advancement of the specialty of plastic surgery.
Although the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation is fortunate to generate a significant amount of its funds through self-supporting programs, much of the work done by the Foundation is dependent upon contributed support from members, corporate sponsors and foundations. Research grants and fellowships, scholarship awards, and international program activities are among those which rely most on the generosity of contributed support.
The information included in this document is designed to provide interested donors with information on named gift opportunities within the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation. The gift opportunities listed are those currently approved for funding. The Foundation also welcomes the opportunity to work with donors to identify other programs suitable to his or her interests.
For Additional Information Contact:
Carol V. Wargo, MA, CFRE
Chief Development Officer
Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation
444 East Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4664
Phone: (847) 228-3358
Fax: (847) 228-7597
Advancing the Practice of Plastic Surgery Through Scientific Research
The Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation plays a leadership role in helping plastic surgeons develop more effective ways to care for their patients. PSEF offers a number of opportunities to endow research in significant areas of investigation. Innovative approaches to wound healing, advances in craniofacial surgery and microsurgery, new insights in the use of reconstructive flap surgery and the development of endoscopic techniques in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery are just some of the ways PSEF-supported research is changing the direction of plastic surgery today.
Directed Research
- Amount to Endow: $2,000,000
- Annual Award: $100,000
A gift of $2 million will provide for an annual named research award of $100,000 to investigate issues which will have substantial impact on plastic surgery as it is practiced today and in the future. Directed research awards will be designated in areas of critical importance to the future of plastic surgery. Areas will be identified by the PSEF research commission or such other body as may be appointed by the Foundation Board to work with the donor on directed designation.
Research Fellowships
- Amount to Endow: $700,000
- Annual Award: $35,000
When a bright, questioning mind is matched with the right resources, extraordinary things can happen. The PSEF Fellowship Program was established in 1987. It is specifically designed to provide surgeons the rare opportunity to concentrate solely on research for a full year. The fellowships cover twelve months of salary support for the surgeon researcher, who is required to provide proof of other funding support to cover the logistical aspects of the research. Recent areas of research have included fetal wound healing, neo-cartilage formation, craniosynostosis, injectable delivery systems and nerve autografts.
Sponsors of named fellowships may choose to designate an area of study they wish to support, or leave the fellowship open to all areas of applicant interest.
Basic Research Grants
- Amount to Endow: $120,000
- Annual Award: $6,000
Basic research grants are among the most important funded research programs of PSEF. Frequently, they represent the first steps in study which will lead to revolutionary advances in the field. The seed money provided by basic research grants can also be the impetus for significant future funding for advanced research in the selected areas of study. In 1995, 168 applications were received. Because of funding limitations, only 37 (fewer than 25%) could be granted. A Basic Research grant can be named for $120,000. Named grants can be designated for a particular area of study or may be unrestricted.
Scholarship Program
- Amount to Endow: $75,000
- Annual Award: $3,750
The PSEF annually selects Scholarship Award winners in four categories: Basic Science, Clinical Research, Essay, and Investigator. Manuscripts submitted are the result of original clinical or basic science research in an area of importance to plastic and reconstructive surgery. The first place manuscripts are presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of ASPS/PSEF and may be published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The Basic Science category awards have been endowed by Bernard G. Sarnat, MD. The Investigator awards are underwritten by the D. Ralph Millard Foundation. Clinical Research awards pertain to the study of patient-related conditions. Essay manuscripts focus on theory, ethics, socioeconomic issues, etc.
To Maintain the Quality of Continuing Medical Education Programs
The Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation places a priority on providing the highest quality professional education to surgeons throughout the country and internationally. ASPS/PSEF is involved in the development and presentation of a wide range of educational programs directed towards plastic surgeons at all stages of their careers and in all areas of specialty.
Domestic Visiting Professors
- Amount to Endow: $175,000
- Annual Award: $8,750
Selected annually by a committee of peers, two domestic visiting professors travel throughout the United States and Canada, lecturing at eight to ten surgical facilities. This important program allows surgeons who are among the best in their field to share their expertise with others. An endowed fund will generate support for travel expenses and a small stipend for each of these visiting professors.
Senior Residents Conference
- Amount to Endow: $10,000
- Annual Award: $500
This annual Conference brings together senior residents from across the country to provide for scientific exchange as well as an opportunity to meet fellow surgeons who will become life-long colleagues. During this three and one-half day event, participants present abstracts, for which awards are presented. Award categories include aesthetic, reconstructive/burn, congenital, hand, basic research, maxillofacial and microsurgery. A gift of $10,000 will endow and name one award in the donor's selected area of interest and fund the related paper session of the Conference.
International Programs
International Scholars
- Amount to Endow: $200,000
- Annual Amount: $10,000
Two or more plastic surgeons from developing countries are selected annually for additional training in plastic surgery at a medical training facility in the United States. Visits are for three to six months. In addition to expanding their knowledge and skills, the sharing of information learned upon their return to their home country allows this program to have even greater impact. Visiting scholars are also required to report on their experiences, and these reports are published in Plastic Surgery News. A gift of $200,000 will provide for travel and living expenses for one scholar through a named fund.
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