ABOUT SIGN
We are transparent in our efforts to heal the injured poor
A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER
DR. LEWIS ZIRKLE
Diversity creates equality of fracture care.
The SIGN Network is like a machine moving steadily toward creating equality of fracture care throughout the world. Each part symbolizes SIGN Staff, Surgeons, Volunteers and Donors, who all rely on each other as SIGN Implants are used to treat increasing numbers of patients in developing countries.
I see the results of SIGN Surgery on the database every day when I am in the U.S. The comments on the database by surgeons in developing countries often express new ideas and new indications for SIGN Implants. The x-rays demonstrate the process of fracture healing and the pictures of the patients squatting and smiling have been shown to demonstrate fracture healing better than the x-rays. We realize the smile is not quantitative but smiles are contagious as an expression of joy and appreciation.
These are patients who would have severe disability due to their fractures if their surgeons were not excellent surgeons and did not have access to SIGN Implants. These surgeons understand fracture principles and enthusiastically treat their fellow countryman without using sophisticated equipment.
Our generous donors are essential to the network as the number of SIGN Programs and different implants increases. We are like a big family.
- Lewis G. Zirkle, MD
SIGN 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Click here for an interactive report about SIGN’s 25th year of healing. Read about the successes our surgeons had in bringing healing care to over 26,000 patients and expanding orthopaedic capacity in their home communities.
MANAGED WITH CARE
Financial Accountability
SIGN is a registered non-profit corporation in the state of Washington in the United States of America.
The majority of our funding comes from individual contributions given to us by people like you.
The economic conditions in most of the countries we work in require that we donate the SIGN Implants to the hospitals. However, about 1/3 of our funds come from cost reimbursement programs that we have in a few of the government hospitals, with other non-profit organizations and with implant distributors in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. We do not profit from these sales. Rather, the cost reimbursement program enables us to start new programs in other areas of great need.
90% percent of our 2022 budget went directly to supply the SIGN Surgeons with the implants and training needed to care for their patients.
Federal Tax #91-1952283
Financial Documents
Together, we can provide healing
We partner with businesses, foundations, and service organizations to continue creating equality of fracture care throughout the world. We rely on these partnerships to carry out our mission.
OFFICERS AND BOARD
The SIGN Board of Directors is a volunteer governing board, providing high-level oversight for the organization. They each play a unique role in SIGN’s Mission.
Lewis G. Zirkle, MD
President and Chairman of the Board, Founder
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Zirkle founded SIGN in order to bring healing to the injured poor in developing countries. Today, he gives mentorship to SIGN Surgeons at each hospital, reviews patient cases, and inspires new, innovative design ideas.
Sariah Khormaee, MD, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Secretary of the Board
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Khormaee is an orthopaedic surgeon dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal care. Her work work integrates bioengineering and orthopedic care with a focus on global accessibility. In her role as CEO of SIGN, Dr. Khormaee will continue to drive innovation and access to equality of fracture care worldwide
David Shearer, MD
Vice President and Treasurer of the Board
Orthopaedic Surgeon
I remain inspired by SIGN's mission to create equality in fracture care and have been lucky enough to witness its impact first-hand.
Mike Coscia, MD
Board Member
Orthopaedic Surgeon
I have witnessed the dramatic positive impact that the presence of SIGN has had in Kenya over the last 17 years, treating long bone fractures and improving physician education. It is a true honor to assist in the start of the new SIGN Spine Program.
Richard Gellman, MD
Board Member
Orthopaedic Surgeon
SIGN is social justice in action where surgeons from 50 countries work together to relieve suffering and solve orthopaedic challenges. I am honored to be a part of this organization.
Randy Huebner
Board Member
Founder of Acumed
It is a pleasure to serve on the SIGN board and to be able to work with all of the very committed international surgeons and SIGN staff that are at the heart of our mission.
Ann Penner
Board Member
Educator
Ann is a longtime supporter of SIGN, volunteering annually at the SIGN Conference and speaking to Kiwanis groups on behalf of SIGN.
Ben Rivera
Board Member
CEO, Leatherman Tool Group
There are many great causes that I could support but none who so directly impact lives in such a meaningful, tangible, efficient and sustainable way. SIGN literally gets people back on their feet to support themselves and others.
Stephen Schwartz
Board Member
Consultant, Retired Medical Device Executive
Steve joined the SIGN Board in 2013. He is instrumental in obtaining significant grants from the Wyss Foundation, and frequently gives sound advice in business and education.
Carla Smith, MD, PhD
Board Member
Orthopaedic Surgeon
To be a part of something that brings together such an inspirational group and to work on ways to improve fracture care all over the world is truly rewarding in its own.
Daniel Sciuto, MD
Board Member
SIGN Surgeon
Dr. Sciuto is the SIGN Surgeon at Samburu County Referral Hospital in rural Kenya. He advocates for his patients, performs excellent surgery, and brings innovative ideas to each conference.
Patrick Yoon, MD
Board Member
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Yoon became a board member in 2015. He has participated in the SIGN Conference, teaching calcaneus fracture repair, and has traveled to Haiti several times.
MANAGEMENT
Dr. Sariah Khormaee
CEO
Jeanne Dillner
CEO Emeritus
Engineering
Terry Smith, Manager
Finance and Administration
Angela Hoyer, Manager
Fund Development
Lori Maier, Manager and Chief Compliance Officer
Information Technology
Brian Barnes, Manager
Operations
Sean Bradley, Production Manager
Programs and Education
Kyle Westcott, Manager
Quality Assurance
Frank Faultersack, Manager
Regulatory Affairs
Robert Schmitt, Manager and FDA Management Representative
SIGN CLINICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The SIGN Board recently created the SIGN Clinical Advisory Committee (SCAC) to increase feedback on the design of products and education and formally recognize the innovations and feedback from SIGN Surgeons.
The majority of members will be SIGN Surgeons living and working in LMIC. The committee’s mission is to use the knowledge and expertise of SIGN’s network of surgeons to grow and support education, innovation, inclusion, and equality.
Daniel Sciuto, MD
Samburu County Referral Hospital
Kenya
Mandeep Pathak, MD
Bayalpata Hospital
Nepal
David Shearer, MD
University of California
San Francisco
Jun Valera, MD
Traveling SIGN Set
The Philippines
Sami Hailu, MD
Black Lion Hospital
Ethiopia
Faseeh Shahab, MD
Shahab Orthopaedic Hospital
Pakistan
Kebba Marenah, MD
Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital
The Gambia
Carla Smith, MD, PhD
United States
Emeka Izuagba, MD
National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi
Nigeria
Pierre Woolley, MD
University de la Paix Hospital
Haiti
Billy Haonga, MD
Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute
Tanzania
Richard Gellman, MD
United States