About OREF OREF: A look back to the past, a look ahead to the future "Whatever we possess, becomes of double value when we have the opportunity to share with others."- Anonymous In 1958, Northwestern University's Medical School became the first institution in Illinois to receive funding for orthopaedic research from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. Since that time, 85 grants have been awarded to various institutions and orthopaedic surgeons in Illinois, totaling $1,270,123! In 1997, the fund raising efforts of OREF reached new heights as a total of over $2 Million was raised through the annual program. A total of $122,804 was raised by Illinois, exceeding the proposed goal of $100,000 by more than $22,00! This amount was due largely to the orthopaedic surgeons who donated their time and efforts to act as OREF representatives. OREF is in the midst of its first ever, a multi year campaign, Campaign 2000: Leaders for Orthopaedic Progress. Announced at the Annual Meeting of the AAOS this past March in New Orleans, the goal of this bold initiative is to raise $40 Million by December 31, 2000, a goal that is already within sight. Along with awarding grants funding research, OREF, in April of 1998 held the inaugural Illinois Residency Research Symposium. This symposium gave fifth-year Residencys from Illinois an opportunity to submit their abstracts for colleagues from participating institutions, from which three were awarded top honors. Upon the conclusion of the evening, plans were already set in motion for next year's symposium. This 1998 year presents a greater challenge to Illinois orthopaedists as the goal has been raised to $134,000. Currently, contributions have totaled close to $59,000. OREF needs the support of every orthopaedic surgeon and everyone with a vested interest in the field. It is not only an investment back to the profession, it is an investment in the future of the specialty. With monies becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, who will provide the "seed" money for the young and/or new investigator? If we don't do it, who will? If you'd like to learn more, please call Mark Miskewitch, Assistant Director of Annual Programs, for OREF, direct at (847) 384-4345. *note: OREF will be closing the books on all gifts for 1998 on January 4, 1999. Return to the IOS Newsletter Archive Educational Meetings and Program | Board of Directors | Residency | Find a Surgeon | Membership | Allied Association Links | Newsletter | Governmental Affairs | IAOS Main Page All material Copyright from the Illinois Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, all rights reserved.