formerly Gesher

"surrounder's letter may, 2001 monthly communications about the work of the Winer Foundation.

our medical work in Ethiopia

May, 2001

Dear Doctor:

Did you ever consider using your expertise in medicine to teach at a university overseas but thought it could never happen? I believe that without meaning to, doctors affiliated with a community hospital, myself included, think such a thing is impossible or minimize the impact they might have.

I'm here to tell you that there is a place for you and your well-honed clinical skills that can make a significant difference in the lives of thousands, if not millions of needy people in Ethiopia. The Winer Foundation has a medical partnership with the Addis Ababa University School of Medicine to deliver better healthcare for all Ethiopians. I've enclosed a brochure about our program and a story on it that was featured in Mercy Insider.

On a personal note, some of you have known me for years while others are less familiar with me. I've been on the staff since 1983 as a neurologist. I trained at the University of Pennsylvania and began in practice at Mercy (Fitzgerald and Mercy Philadelphia) with a large hospital consultation practice and outpatient offices at Mercy Eastwick at 2801 S. Island Ave, Suite 14. However, since the end of 1993, I stopped the hospital consultation side of my practice to concentrate on writing and the activities of the Winer Foundation. I bring this up because some of you might be wondering whether I'm still practicing medicine. I am. I continue to actively practice, seeing patients at Mercy Eastwick and doing EMG's there, three days per week. I'd be honored to see any of your patients for an outpatient consultation (215-365-0277).

–– How the Medical Initiative for Ethiopia Started

My wife, Tara, and I have been helping in Ethiopia since 1993, however I had never before used my medical skills on a humanitarian aid trip. I had this notion that I couldn't since the only model I had for physician involvement in a third-world country was where a doctor would go to the country and treat patients. Rather than being locked into this mode of thinking, I had the idea that I might be able to lecture on a subject in my field of neurology. So I decided to make myself available and to my pleasant surprise, a connection with a neurologist in Ethiopia was quickly made and a lecture topic was chosen.

–– Expect the Unexpected

The evening our US flight landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, I learned that war with Eritrea had broken out. Our team had originally planned to rest for a day and then fly to the northern region to expand our humanitarian aid efforts. But now since the war had cancelled all internal Ethiopian air flights, I had to make the decision of whether to hire a four-wheel drive jeep to travel two days on dirt roads to the north or stay in the capital, despite not being scheduled to lecture at the medical school until the next week. I was inclined to stay in Addis so the next day I called Dr. Guta Zenebe, chairman of medicine and neurology, explaining my unexpected availability. He graciously arranged for the lecture to take place the next day. Not only did I have a great time, but my unexpected week of free time allowed me to do in-depth teaching at the medical school. The unexpected war also gave time for me to form new friendships with Ethiopian doctors. Gradually the idea emerged to begin a program to help the doctors at the Addis Ababa University. The essential elements of the program are:

1. Provide help to needy doctors and doctors-in-training (by buying medical equipment, beepers and paging system, internet access, food, scholarships, and more);

2. Help start the first Psychiatric residency program in Ethiopia; and

3. Sponsor a one-week visiting professorship program for US / Canadian doctors to teach in Ethiopia.

Here's what Dr. Alan Hibberd, President of the Mercy Medical Staff and Orthopedic Surgeon has to say about the Medical Initiative for Ethiopia:

"Having been a visiting professor at the Addis Ababa University many times, I can heartily endorse Dr. Winer's efforts. I can think of few experiences that can both contribute to help needy people and be so personally rewarding."

–– Help Through Your Time and Gifts

I need your help to help the people of Ethiopia. First, I'd like you to consider spending a week there to teach. If you're interested, contact me. Second, please consider a generous and fully tax-deductible gift for the Addis Ababa University. Without funds from the Winer Foundation (a 501 C-3 public charity), these medical programs will not occur. There are no monies available from the Addis Ababa University to pay for these specific needs. By helping doctors, your will make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of Ethiopians.

1. For $60, you can give an incoming medical student a stethoscope and white coat. Without these many will not be able to begin their clinical work.

2. For $125, you can give one month of Internet access. Without this doctors in Ethiopia may not learn about the best ways to help their patients.

3. For $200, you can provide a week of meals for doctors-in-training.

Sincerely yours,

Robert Winer, M.D.

P.S. For more updates on our work, visit our website at www.winerfoundation.org

P.P.S. I'd like to you to get to know me better by giving you a gift. Drop me a note in the return envelope and I'll send you my book, "Ten Commandments for Success: Unlocking Principles of Prosperous Personal, Business, and Family Living from the Life of Moses."

if you need any further information, contact us:

Winer Foundation po box 33373 philadelphia, pa 19142 info@winerfoundation.org phone: 215-365-3350 fax: 215-365-3325