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The difference we make

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” —Nelson Mandela

What a year it has been. COVID-19 has dominated nearly every aspect of our lives. More than ever, it makes me think of the communities that do not have the health infrastructure we have, and the dire situations they are in. At this time of the year we start to hear the first carols and see the first decorations of the festive season. This year I hope it is also the time that we reflect on our fortunate lives and remember that there are many in a far less fortunate position. This might be the occasion you take a moment to consider a donation to the Foundation for Surgery. Every donation makes a tangible difference to help the lives of children, families and communities so they can access safe and quality surgical care when they need it most. As Chair of the Foundation for Surgery and former RACS President, I have an enormous sense of pride that surgeons have not only achieved so much in their own careers, but also have proven to be great philanthropists in supporting the Foundation. We are joined by incredible donors, who have a shared commitment to increasing the accessibility of quality surgical care. It is through your extraordinary support that so much has been achieved in global health, Indigenous health and research over the last 40 years. Amidst the unprecedented turbulence of the last 12 months, it would be easy to forget that there have also been some Donating is very simple and there are several ways you can make a difference. Please consider one of the following: 1. Go to surgeons.org/foundation/ to donate and receive an instant tax receipt 2. Complete and return the flysheet form attached to this edition of Surgical News 3. Donate when you pay your annual subscription or fee. Alternatively, if you would like to make a more substantial personal contribution or even establish your own scholarship, please contact Jessica Redwood, Manager, Foundation for Surgery at foundation@surgeons.org. Whatever you do, please donate today. This simple act will make an enormous difference to someone’s life when they need it most.

major steps forward, significant wins that have only been possible because of dedicated supporters like you. Thanks to your support, the Foundation for Surgery has had significant results. Over the last year, more than 1167 patients from developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region have undergone procedures that would have otherwise been inaccessible. In these same countries, 2303 local health workers have attended training to meet the ongoing health needs of their communities. Several projects supported the urgent COVID-19 response in the Asia-Pacific region. Nineteen Indigenous doctors received scholarships to support their surgical careers. In addition, 50 scholarships and grants were awarded to fund groundbreaking surgical research to help us all live our healthiest lives. But there is still a lot more to be done and we need your help to continue and expand on these essential activities. This year, as you reflect on the difference you have made, I urge you to consider the Foundation for Surgery. Please help ensure more children, families and communities can access safe and quality critical care when they need it most. The Foundation for Surgery relies on donations and bequests to continue to support disadvantaged communities, health equity and research that improves surgical outcomes for all. As you know, no overhead or administration fees are deducted from your donations so that 100 per cent will assist in addressing critical surgical needs and achieving the greatest impact in the community. 

Mr John Batten FRACS Chair, Foundation for Surgery