We have been awarded the 2025 Robert L. Wears Patient Safety Leadership Award for global impact on patient safety
WFSA has been awarded the 2025 Robert L. Wears Patient Safety Leadership Award for in the organisation category in recognition of WFSA’s leadership and contributions to advancing patient safety worldwide.
Awarded by the University of Florida College of Medicine–Jacksonville, the award honours individuals and organisations that have significantly influenced patient safety through research, policy development, quality improvement, and education.
WFSA was nominated for the award by friend and colleague, Dr. Ruben Ayala, Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at Operation Smile. In his nomination letter, Dr Ayala highlighted WFSA’s exceptional leadership in advancing patient safety. He praised WFSA’s comprehensive efforts in education, research, and advocacy, underscoring the profound impact of their services on global health.
He noted how over the past decade, the WFSA developed guidelines, physician-led training programmes, and health policy advocacy that has positively impacted on the health outcomes of millions of patients.
In accepting the award, WFSA President, Professor Daniela Filipescu said:
“This award is not just a recognition of our collective efforts but a reminder of the vital role anaesthesiologists play in ensuring and advancing patient safety.”
“Every day, anaesthesiologists serve as guardians of safety in operating rooms, intensive care units, and beyond – leading innovations in perioperative care, emergency response, and system-wide improvements. Patient safety is at the heart of what anaesthesiologists do, and through our vigilance, training, and commitment to quality care, we look to ensure that every patient receives the safest possible care.”
“At WFSA, we recognise that patient safety is a global challenge requiring strong leadership and collaboration. That is why our member societies, spanning 150 countries, are working tirelessly to strengthen safety initiatives within their health systems. Whether through education, advocacy, or the development of global standards, we are committed to empowering anaesthesiologists as patient safety leaders worldwide.”
The award commemorates Dr. Robert L. Wears, an emergency medicine physician renowned for pioneering patient safety research.
Dr. Wears transformed investigative approaches in the field, serving on the editorial boards of ten major medical and patient safety journals and mentoring numerous healthcare professionals in safety science.
