The Walter Spohn Trust, WST (formerly th e Walter Spohn Education Fund, WSEF) provides financial support to individuals and research groups initiating educational and research projects to advance the field of Anaplastology.
The WST work s to achieve its goals through its Annual Grant Program, special awards and scholarships , and fundraising events like The OtoArt Project and The Worthwhile Mile Fundraiser .
Our mission is to advance clinical and practical education and scientific research in support of patient care in the field of Anaplastology.
Our vision is to be recognized as an important source for funding advanced learning in the field of Anaplastology and to form partnerships with business, industry, health education organizations, and health care institutions; these partners will help promote our mission to a wider range of private and public donors.
Anaplastology is a specialized healthcare field focused on providing custom (patient-specific), restorative prostheses for patients impacted by disfigured or malformed anatomy of the face or body, resulting from cancer, trauma, or congenital origin.
Customized prosthetic rehabilitation serves as an alternative treatment option when surgical reconstruction is unachievable or undesired by the patient. Anaplastology services typically include custom facial, breast, and partial hand and foot prostheses. Practicing clinical anaplastologists may sometimes specialize in creating prostheses for a specific region of the body, such as craniofacial.
The practice of anaplastology draws on advanced scientific data derived from research and best practices in biomedical sciences, dentistry, oncology, reconstructive surgery, materials science and engineering, applications of 3D modeling and prototype manufacturing, as well as artistic application of color theory, painting, sculpting, mold fabrication.
The number of trained, practicing anaplastologists around the world is extremely small, in part because of the unique skills required of the anaplastologist, and also due to a general lack of awareness of the field.
A lack of knowledge and understanding about custom prosthetic services available to potential patients can create barriers that prevent patients from obtaining treatment. This lack of awareness also creates challenges for clinicians and researchers to acquire funding for research and education necessary to advance the field and bring about better patient outcomes.
The WST aims to improve overall awareness about this important profession and its services though a commitment to education and research in the field of anaplastology.
Walter Spohn Trust, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 charitable non-profit (EIN: 82-3997332).
Donations made to the Walter Spohn Trust are tax-deductible.
Donate Online or call (561) 414-0675.
Donate by Mail:
Please make checks payable and mail to:
Walter Spohn Trust, Inc.
6708 Senecca Lane
Sykesville, MD 21784
Attn: Rachel Brooke, Executive Director