Hi Friends,
Throughout my career, I have sought to challenge the way we think about and treat burn injuries. Each new discovery brings an opportunity—not just to advance treatment but to reduce suffering for patients and their families. Learning never stops, and I am proud of our research team who are continuing to add to the body of knowledge in burns and recovery.
This year, the Board and our executive, Di, have focused on our strategic plan to align our goals with the evolving needs of the patients and communities we serve. Our future achievements and impact are centered around four key strategic pillars.
World-Leading Research:
Driving innovation and excellence in burn research to pioneer new treatments and therapies, offering hope to those affected by burns.
Impactful Education:
Empowering healthcare professionals, patients, industry, and the community with knowledge to prevent burns, deliver first aid, and improve recovery outcomes.
Advancing Care:
Translating research into exceptional clinical care, ensuring burn survivors and their carers receive the best possible treatment and support.
Financial Sustainability:
Securing resources to sustain and grow our research, education, and care initiatives, with gratitude for the ongoing support of our donors and partners.
Under the leadership of our Chair Dave Fyfe, our Board's ongoing priority will be ensuring the financial sustainability of the Foundation to ensure that in this next phase, we can be self-reliant and self-determining with our research priorities, which will translate into excellence in clinical care and education for years to come.
We were honoured to recently announce that the Governor General, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn, is the Patron of the Fiona Wood Foundation. Her Excellency's Patronage will strengthen the awareness of our work across Australia and internationally. Her compassion and care for all people are evident, and for our burn patients and their families, we are thrilled to have her champion our cause.
This year has been particularly rewarding as we have increased patient engagement in our research, ensuring all patients and their families have an opportunity to participate. I also want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of uninjured participants who volunteer as control groups. You are critical to ensuring we drive evidence-based research that translates into practice. Thank you.
As we close out the year, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to our mission—our patients, caregivers, researchers, multidisciplinary teams, collaborators, donors, corporate, and the community who continue to support us. My heartfelt thanks.
Wishing you all a safe and happy festive season with your loved ones.
Yours
Fiona Wood