Why Give?
At the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, we believe that a strong physician workforce is critical for improving community health and that evidence-based, physician-led community programs lead to positive health outcomes.
Wisconsin physicians and other supporters give because they’ve seen the differences that Foundation-supported programs have made in the lives of medical students, patients, children and families in communities throughout Wisconsin. For example:
- The young physician who chose to practice in rural Wisconsin in part because of the mentoring relationship she formed with her white coat donor;
- The critical research on important health topics through the Foundation’s fellowship program;
- The thousands of children statewide joyfully eating vegetables they helped grow at school or community gardens after receiving a community grant;
- The medical student, spouse and parent who felt a little lightening of the weight on her shoulders after receiving a Foundation scholarship.
The reason you donate to the Foundation may be personal to you. Below are some to the reasons why hundreds of individuals and groups have donated to the Foundation each year for the last 60 years.
Physician-led, Statewide Impact:
Physicians set our strategic goals, select our scholarship, fellowship, and grant recipients, and comprise the majority of the Foundation’s board of trustees. Physician leaders provide informed guidance to the selection processes.
The Foundation supports projects or pilots that show high promise based on findings from scientific studies and expert opinions. Foundation priorities are determined by those “on the front lines” of health issues: physicians.
Our statewide reach means that the Foundation seeks out and supports the most promising pilot projects wherever they may be and promotes the implementation of successful projects in more communities throughout the state.
Memorial Gifts and Named Scholarships: No one becomes a physician entirely on his or her own. A gift to the Foundation can serve as a meaningful expression of gratitude to those who helped you along the way.
Many donate to the Foundation to honor those who have passed, perhaps esteemed colleagues, beloved parents or a child. Our dedicated staff listen deeply to your intentions and desires for your gifts and serve as trusted stewards and turn your intentions into action.
Others donate to the Foundation to assist medical students on their journey into the profession. It’s not uncommon for medical students today to accrue a staggering $200,000 in education debt. Scholarship funding is essential to ensuring that bright, talented students continue to choose careers in medicine.
If you would like more information about the work of the Foundation or specific programs, contact us at 608.442.3822 or email foundation@wismed.org.