Members

Grants, Awards and Fellowships

SOGC International Development Award for Volunteers

The purpose of this award is to assist SOGC obstetrician/gynaecologist members who wish to pursue volunteer obstetric and/or gynaecology clinical work in developing countries.

The volunteer work is to consist of an active and practical experience related to clearly defined medical and/or health related community objectives in a developing country. The grant is offered to physicians who volunteer their time in a clinical or community health setting in developing countries. Additional support in form of grants or small honorariums and token per diems offered to cover expenses such as room and board and local transportation are allowable with this grant.

Amount of award

The recipient will be provided $3,750 for a six-month term to a maximum of $15,000 for two-year continuous terms (prorated depending on the length of the fellowship). The award is provided to assist with travel and accommodation expenses during the stay outside Canada. Grant recipients will be recognized at the Annual Clinical Meeting’s Awards Ceremony.

Time and location of tenure

The volunteer work is to be provided in a clinical setting in developing countries, starting within one year of the grant announcement.

Support

Funding is provided through the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) special development fund.

Eligibility

• Obstetrician/gynaecologist member of SOGC in good standing at the time of application.
• Qualified obstetrician/gynaecologist in Canada.
• Work on a volunteer basis in a developing country hospital, institution or non-governmental organization.
• The activity may be undertaken continuously or in blocks of six months for a maximum of a 24-month consecutive period.
• Applicants must indicate if they are receiving additional subsidies or grants for the intended project.

Note: The grant is not intended for continued professional development learning activities, nor is it to be used to supplement an exchange program within which the physician receives a Canadian salary. Students and residents are not eligible.

Procedures for application

An application shall include the following documents:

• The application form duly completed and signed
• A description of the proposed activities, work objectives, duration, and the resulting benefits to you and the host community
• A letter of support from the on-site physician/administrator, confirming the necessity for your volunteer services and outlining the planned activities and length of assignment
• Attestation of volunteer work by host (proof that physician will not receive a salary during the stay)
• A brief background on the setting where the services will be provided
• A short biographical profile (1-2 pages).

Application deadline

• Winter: February 15
• Fall: November 15

Selection

Submissions are evaluated by the International Women’s Health Committee on the overall merit of the traineeship and the benefits to the physician and the host community.

The selection committee will evaluate each applicant using some of the following criteria:

• The health situation and needs of the institution or region the physician will be involved in
• The benefits to the individual and the host community
• Clearly stated and measurable objectives
• The quality of the proposed activities

Fellowship adjudication

Payment will be issued in two instalments, the first one upon grant announcement and the second upon receipt of the final report, which is a detailed account of the volunteer work.

Last Updated August 7, 2006