The ISS Foundation advances education, international exchange and professional development by creating opportunities for surgeons and surgical trainees across the world.
The ISS Foundation supports surgeons and surgical trainees through travel scholarships, education and international scientific exchange. Its aim is to help talented professionals participate in the global surgical community, build lasting networks and bring new knowledge back to the places where they work.
Following International Surgical Week 2026 in Mexico City, preparations are underway for the next International Surgical Week in Cape Town, South Africa.
The ISS Foundation plans a new round of Travel Scholarships. Eligibility criteria, application requirements, deadlines and funding information will be published once the application process opens.
The ISS Foundation helps selected surgeons and trainees participate in an international professional community that combines education, scientific exchange and long-term networking.
Travel Scholarships are more than a trip to a congress. Scholars describe new knowledge, professional confidence, international friendships, mentorship and collaborations that continue long after the meeting ends.
The week strengthened his research skills, broadened his academic perspective and opened new paths for mentorship and international collaboration.
Read full report →
ISW 2026 offered a valuable combination of scientific learning, international exchange and professional development as a young surgeon.
Read full report →
The scholarship enabled participation in a global surgical meeting, new professional connections and knowledge to share with colleagues at home.
Read full report →Browse the testimonial archive by year.
Research, writing, networking and global surgery sessions expanded both his academic skills and future professional opportunities.
Full report (PDF) →A week of high-quality scientific sessions and international exchange contributed directly to her development as a young surgeon.
Full report (PDF) →
Scientific sessions, presentation experience and personal contact with faculty created practical learning and future collaboration opportunities.
Full report (PDF) →
The scholarship made a demanding international journey possible and created an unforgettable week of learning, presentations and new friendships.
Full report (PDF) →Participation in Kuala Lumpur provided new clinical perspectives, international contacts and material to share with colleagues on returning home.
Full report (PDF) →
The scholarship gave a general surgeon from Madang Provincial Hospital access to an international meeting and a wider professional network.
Full report (PDF) →Mentoring conversations during ISW helped him reflect on his plans and long-term path as an academic surgeon in sub-Saharan Africa.
The conference expanded her knowledge across several surgical fields and increased her confidence in applying new approaches to patient care.
The experience strengthened her commitment to teaching junior colleagues and to research that can translate into locally relevant clinical practice.
A structured writers’ workshop gave him practical tools for focused research, manuscript preparation and future publication work.
The scholarship broadened his view of surgical education and supported later international collaboration on education in low-income settings.
Learning and interaction with fellow scholars and faculty renewed her confidence and positively influenced her professional outlook and practice.
The writers’ workshop reduced barriers to academic writing and offered a clearer understanding of scientific publishing and peer review.
Meeting surgeons from different countries highlighted the diversity of surgical practice and created lasting international professional relationships.
The International Society of Surgery Foundation was established in 1993. It is incorporated in the State of Illinois, USA, and supports charitable scientific and educational initiatives in surgery.
The Foundation also supports educational and outreach activities within the wider ISS/SIC community.
Support for outreach programmes and educational initiatives connected with Breast Surgery International (BSI).
Support for outreach programmes and educational initiatives connected with the International Association of Endocrine Surgeons (IAES).
Your support helps surgeons and trainees access education, international networks and experiences that can influence their careers and the surgical care they provide in their communities.