Welcome
The World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgeons, the WOFAPS, as it is widely known, was founded in 1974 and has grown to be the world representative body of National Pediatric Surgical Associations with a current membership of more than 100 countries. The WOFAPS’ mission to improve the surgical care of the world’s children has been embodied in the Declaration of Pediatric Surgery in Kyoto in 2001. We welcome you to use this website as a resource to enhance communication amongst the world’s paediatric surgical community.
WOFAPS-Foundation Scholarships
International Guest Scholarship Program
The WOFAPS Foundation offers International Guest Scholarships to competent young pediatric surgeons (less than 40 years old) from developing countries who have demonstrated strong interests in teaching and research. The Foundation will cover economy class travel expenses and additional support. The scholarships provide the recipients with an opportunity to visit well recognized and established pediatric surgical teaching centers in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa for a two-three month clinical observership. The host institution will provide lodging and sustenance.
Please complete the application and submit it to the address indicated on the form.
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications must be completed in full with all the relevant requirements including a full and detailed CV with publications if applicable as well as letters of recommendation from your department head and the President of the National Association of your Country. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Questions may be addressed to tomas.wester@karolinska.se
History
WOFAPS was founded on 15th October 1974 in Sao Paulo, Brazil during a Pediatric Surgery Congress with representatives from 43 Countries under the Presidency of Prof. Virgilio Carvalho Pinto and Secretary General Prof. Josa Pinus. Prof. Harvey Beardmore (Canada) was elected the first President of the WOFAPS.
Objectives of WOFAPS were
- Promotion of a high standard of pediatric surgery
- Encouragement of the ethical practice of pediatric surgery
- Improve the standards of education for the training of pediatric surgeons
- Promotion and encouragement of pediatric surgical research
The WOFAPS shall be representation of Pediatric Surgical Association, but not of individual persons and it does not represent any political ideas nor does it make any racial or religious distinction. (see the Constitution )
In 1983, only 23 Associations belonged to the WOFAPS, but the organization has made considerable strides since its inception and has grown to include over 100 member countries and is recognized and participates in International Associations of Pediatric Surgery and also other organization such as UNICEF, UNESCO, and WHO. This has been due to the strong leadership and efforts of the Presidents, Executive Board Members and especially the extraordinary hard work of General Secretary Treasurer Prof. J. Boix-Ochoa.