Philanthropy and the Foundation of the AAGL
Greetings! The Foundation is excited as we transition to 2022! Despite the trials and tribulations of the pandemic, we remain strong and have continued to grow over the past year. Our mission of providing opportunities for education, research, and global outreach with the ultimate goal of improving women’s health has never been more paramount.
We provided 14 Noteworthy and Signature awards to 18 worthy recipients at the Global Congress in Austin. These awards were given to talented physicians representing the U.S. and 6 foreign countries, thus highlighting our mission of global outreach. I am happy to announce that our planning for 2022 includes increasing the number of awards and scholarships with a number of new endowments being finalized.
The Foundation Funds for the Future continues to provide financial resources for training MIGS fellows. Since 2011, the Funds for the Future has provided scholarship funding for AAGL Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (FMIGS) programs to support the training of fellows and offset educational expenses. We cannot thank enough the industry sponsors who continue to help us accomplish this mission of education and research.
With thoughtful discussion and planning, another goal for the year is to establish Foundation committees to steer outreach across the U.S. as well as globally. This initiative is aimed at making contact with physicians who have recently finished residency and/or fellowship training and those within 10 years of starting their career. We plan to make MIGS education and mentorship opportunities a priority for these physicians, with the ultimate goal of improving women’s health.
Our Board of Directors has grown to include 11 talented members, each with a diverse background but all with the goal of enhancing the Foundation through philanthropy. I cannot thank them enough for their time, thought provoking insight, and generosity to serve on our Foundation Board.
To close, it is helpful to reflect on philanthropy. The term philanthropy was thought to be coined in the 5th century B.C. and originally meant ‘love of humanity’. Today, philanthropy means broad based generosity including time, talent and treasure to help make life better for others. As one thinks about their career, including formal education, training, and life experiences, many of us can truly say we have been blessed to achieve all that we have. The generosity and mentorship of those that helped us obtain our goals cannot be overstated. I encourage all of you to consider your ‘love of humanity’ and consider becoming a philanthropist with your own time, talent, and treasure. Please consider supporting the Foundation and practicing philanthropy by making a monetary gift, such as a donation to a cause you believe in. Please see the Foundation website for ways to give or contact the Foundation office at foundation@aagl.org or 714-503-6200 with any questions.
