Vision & Mission
The Canadian General Surgery Foundation (CGSF) – formally the Canadian Surgery Research Fund – was founded in the early 1980’s to promote research performed by general surgeons and general surgery residents in both clinical and basic science. The CGSF currently funds two research projects per year as well as the sponsorship of a Research Retreat for Residents in General Surgery.
Canadian General Surgeons have pioneered the development and application of minimally invasive surgical techniques, cancer care, transplantation, the management of trauma and sepsis and in innovative & cost-effective, evidence-informed health care delivery.
Since 1983, the Canadian General Surgery Foundation has supported early career general surgeons with an operating grant. While these grants are still a priority for the Foundation, we are expanding our focus to include projects in the areas of advocacy and education, as well as research at all career stages.
New funding programs
In 2023, the Foundation is launched two programs focused on rural and remote general surgeons.
Providing surgical care in rural areas presents a unique set of challenges including a disproportionate burden of chronic disease, geographic isolation, poverty, and undue stigma; these are most acute in isolated northern communities. Performing surgery itself can be challenging due to a smaller health care workforce, sub-optimal facilities, limited surgical equipment, lack of specialty care, and professional isolation.
NEW! COMPETITION: CLEVER & ACCESIBLE RURAL SURGERY SOLUTIONS (CARSS)
Low-Tech / Low-Cost Solutions to Aid Rural Surgeons in Practice
The CARSS Competition funds low-tech and/or low-cost solutions for operating rooms in low-and-middle income centers, in Canada or abroad in LMI settings. Projects could take many forms:
- production of low-cost eco-friendly surgical instruments,
- technological applications, or
- conceptual solutions such as models of practice or algorithms to assist with evidence-based decision-making.
The grant amount is not preset but all projects should include a detailed budget as the cost/benefit of each proposal will be considered. The Foundation will invite a panel of general surgeons with experience in rural settings or innovation to join members of the Foundation Board to assess project proposals at the annual Canadian Surgery Forum. Proposals will be accepted until May 12th.
Interested? Submit a proposal – if you are working on a project that aligns with the Foundation’s new Clever & Accessible Rural Surgery Solutions (CARSS) Competition, please consider submitting a proposal. Proposals for the 2023 competition will close May 12th.
IN DEVELOPMENT! SURGEONS SUPPORTING SURGEONS
General Surgery Collaborative Network for Urban, Rural & Remote Surgeons
This program will build a network of general surgeons to respond to requests for coaching, advice, and training, to empower general surgeons in remote areas to confidently take on slightly more complex cases, enabling surgical care for patients close to home. Through funding, the Foundation will support the development of a database of members who will serve as advisors and coaches and the means to link them to colleagues in their rural practices.
How programs are funded
Both projects will be profiled for donors in our list of fundraising programs. Grants will be awarded once the required funds have been raised. It is anticipated that project leads will assist in the Foundation’s fundraising efforts by providing testimonials and helping develop project briefs that can be shared with prospective donors.
Traditionally, the Foundation relied on donations from the members, and we hope to be able to continue to count on members’ generosity. However, going forward the Foundation will also expand fundraising outreach to include other foundations, charities, philanthropists, industry, and the public.
How you can support the Foundation
Share your ideas – If you have an idea for a project that would have a significant impact on surgical patient care, whether it is education, advocacy or research based, please share it. If it evolves into a program endorsed by the Foundation and resonates with donors, you could:
- explore ways to undertake the project within your practice or region,
- collaborate with peers across regions, or
- remain involved with the project as an advisor to the project team recruited by the Foundation.
Idea submissions are always open and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Donate to the Foundation – When you donate to the Foundation you are supporting research projects conducted by general surgeons in Canada, advocacy initiatives for general surgeons in their practice and development of education. These early career operating grants and programs provide an opportunity for general surgeons to explore surgical challenges and work toward solutions to improve patient care which can be of benefit to the entire general surgery field.
