Distinguished Service & Rising Star Awards
Nominations for two prestigious awards to be presented at WCA2026: the WFSA Distinguished Service Award and the WFSA Rising Star Award.
These awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the global anaesthesia community, from lifelong service to early-career excellence.
You can see details of award winners at WCA2024 here.
WFSA Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award celebrates individuals who have provided exceptional and distinguished service to the field of anaesthesiology.
Nominees for the Distinguished Service Award must have done one or more of the following:
- Made a special contribution to the Art and Science of Anaesthesiology; or
- Helped to promote or establish Anaesthesia initiatives anywhere in the world; or
- Provided distinguished service to the WFSA by serving at least 8 years as a WFSA Officer, Council, or Committee member and provided exceptional service in this or another capacity to WFSA and the international anaesthesia community
Note: Service as an Officer of the WFSA does not automatically meet the qualifications for this award.
How to nominate someone for a Distinguished Service Award:
Nominations are on our Awards platform. All applications must be submitted by 31 August 2025.
Select Chapter ‘WCA Awards’ and Category ‘Distinguished Service Awards’.
Required documents:
- Nominee’s curriculum vitae/resume
- Letter of support from nominee’s National Society of Anaesthesiologists
- At least two other letters of support
Note: self-nominations for the Distinguished Service Award are not allowed
A panel made up of WFSA representatives will evaluate all applications. Successful applicants will be notified by October 2025.
For further details, please email elizabeth.thompson@wfsahq.org with the subject line ‘Distinguished Service Awards’.
WFSA Rising Star Award
Shining a spotlight on early-career anaesthesiologists who are driving change and inspiring excellence around the world.
First awarded in 2024, the Rising Star award celebrates the achievements of trainees or attending (consultant) anaesthesiologists within the first five (5) years of their career who have shown exceptional promise and made a significant impact in their own hospital and beyond. Rising stars stand out from the crowd and make a real difference to their patients, team and the profession as a whole. The award aims to recognise talent within the next generation of anaesthesiology leaders worldwide. It is open to global nominations from both high-income and low-income countries.
Award winners will receive:
- Free registration to WCA2026
- Accommodation (4 nights) in Marrakech for WCA2026
- Physical recognition of their Award at WCA2026 Opening Ceremony
- Photos and biography on the WFSA website
Eligibility criteria:
Rising Stars must meet the following criteria to be nominated:
- Trainee or attending anaesthesiologist within the first five (5) years of their career
- Member of their National Society of Anaesthesiologists
- Show exceptional promise and significant impact in their working environment
How to nominate a Rising Star:
Nominations are on our Awards platform. All applications must be submitted by 31 August 2025.
Select Chapter ‘WCA Awards’ and Category ‘Rising Star Awards’.
Required documents:
- Nominee’s curriculum vitae/resume
- Letter of support from nominee’s National Society of Anaesthesiologists
- At least two other letters of support
Note: self-nominations for the Rising Star Award are not allowed
A panel made up of WFSA representatives will evaluate all applications. Successful applicants will be notified by October 2025.
For further details, please email elizabeth.thompson@wfsahq.org with the subject line ‘Rising Star Awards’.
