Humanitarian Activities

Program overview and information on how to submit your application:

1.        Program
The aim of the OTC Foundation (OTCF) Humanitarian Program is to give trauma patients in difficult socio-economic situations better access to quality medical care and to improve patient outcomes. OTCF promotes the interpersonal transfer of knowledge and surgical skills from experienced health care professionals to hospitals, clinics and institutions in less developed countries and underserved regions.

2.        Policy
Currently, the OTCF Humanitarian Policy consists of targeting Africa, Asia, as well as Central and South America. Due to the OTCF’s unique position, it has the ability to fund humanitarian programs not only financially but also in-kind, including but not limited to: helping to connect experts around the world, allowing them to share their knowledge, expertise and time with those in need.

There are several ways in which the OTCF pursues this task: OTCF supports educational activities, such as bringing surgeons for training to OTCF Host Centers. Alternatively, surgeons from the OTC Alliance can bring their knowledge to surgeons working in less developed countries. OTCF supports short- and long-term programs, programs at regular intervals or emergency assignments (disaster management). OTCF considers both, individual applications or applications from institutions, therefore, funds can be granted to individuals or institutions.

 

3.        Outcome
It is the OTCF’s aim to ensure sustainable development in the area of osteosynthesis and trauma care, as well as related fields. It is important for the OTCF to be acknowledged for its support and therefore web site links on the institutions home page, written post program reports and pictures, interviews, web links, paper clippings, as well as the inclusion of the OTCFs logo on all communications is required.  

 

4.        Approval Procedure
The Manager for Humanitarian Programs collects initial proposals based on the OTCF Application Form. These are then reviewed by the Program Chair and Co-Chair on a quarterly basis (Feb, May, Aug, Nov). The Program Chair and Co-chair, who are also part of the OTCF’s Education Committee (EDCO) make their choices individually and based on the OTCFs ranking system. They present their final selection of applications, based on the OTCF’s Humanitarian Program Strategy, to the EDCO for information on a quarterly basis. The OTCFs Executive Committee (EXCO) is also informed of the work plan and budget on a yearly basis.   

 

5.        Application Process
The Application Form can be found here: Humanitarian Program Proposal - Application Form. Based on OTCF’s strategy, the applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. However, occasionally, short term and emergency programs may be approved throughout the year. Accepted program applicants will need to enter into contractual agreements.

 

For any questions you might have, please contact:

 

Tatjana Topalovic
Manager International Relations & Events

OTC Foundation
Südbahnhof-Strasse 14c
CH-3000 Bern 14