Thank you for 15 years of outstanding dedication
– Simon Bücheler
In 2009, whilst waiting in the consultation room at Walter Gysel’s practice, Simon Bücheler became aware of Gysel’s commitment to medical projects in Africa. This initial spark led to the establishment in 2010 of the Foundation for Medical Know How Transfer SmW, which the two founded together.
Over the past 15 years, Simon Bücheler has supported the Foundation SmW as its largest sponsor. His continuous support provided crucial planning security and formed the basis for the Foundation’s sustainable growth and success. Unfortunately, he has decided to step down from the Foundation SmW Board of Trustees and thus also to resign as Vice-President. At the General Meeting in February 2026, Beatrice Mosimann was elected to the Board of Trustees as the new Vice-President. Warm congratulations!
As a token of great appreciation, Simon Bücheler was appointed an honorary member of the Board of Trustees. Karin Villabruna paid tribute to his extraordinary commitment, his long-standing loyalty to the Foundation and his regular attendance at meetings, and presented him with a personal gift.
Simon Bücheler expressed his deep gratitude for the honour. He emphasised how important broad support for the Foundation is to him and agreed to continue lending his support in the future. He is particularly pleased that a new team is taking over the work, to which he is happy to continue offering his support.
Thank you very much, Simon Bücheler
Simon Bücheler is to become an honorary member of the Foundation SmW
Beatrice Mosimann, the foundation’s new vice-president
Prof. Dr Beatrice Mosimann
Director of the Foundation SmW from 1 January 2026
Esther Trummer
Head of Administration and Communications at the Foundation SmW from 1 January 2026
A change of generation
in the leadership of the Foundation SmW
Everything has its time…
We are delighted that the work of our Foundation SmW – SONO FOR AFRICA, is continuing in highly professional hands. We are absolutely thrilled with this excellent arrangement and would like to extend a very warm welcome to Prof. Mosimann and Esther Trummer to the SmW team!
We will remain in the background, but will continue to play an active role.
A thousand thanks to all our valued contributors and supporters, past and present!
Walter Gysel, President
Karin Villabruna, Member of the Foundation Board
Bye bye
Dr. med. Elmar Staub
Since 2023, we have been able to count on the support of Dr Elmar Staub, a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics (FMH) with a focus on surgical gynaecology and obstetrics, for the delivery of our ultrasound courses in Meru, Kenya. During his three years as course leader, his approach – developed over decades with passion and meticulousness – was clearly evident and, thanks to his extensive ultrasound experience, significantly enhanced the standard of learning in our courses. Our collaboration with Elmar was always characterised by an intensive and stimulating engagement with the relevant topics, combined with humour and a cheerful humanity, which was equally appreciated by the Foundation SmW, the African organisers and the course participants. Thank you, dear Elmar, it was a wonderful time with you!
We understand that in future you wish to devote more time to your many other passions and, in particular, to your charming wife Vreni, who has so often let you travel to Africa on your own, as well as to your family and grandchildren. We wish you good health, much joy and happiness.
Warm regards, Walter, Karin and the whole Foundation SmW team
Thank you, Elmar and Vreni!
November 2025
First course at the new venue
Pictured here is our Head of Courses, Dr Gilbert Krähenbühl
Lecturer and instructor, as well as being responsible for technical matters and course coordination
Member of the Foundation Board
Change of course venue within Meru
Since 2022, the Foundation SmW has been running ultrasound courses at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital (MeTRH). The hospital is currently being upgraded to the highest hospital category in Kenya (Level 6). Due to the ongoing construction work, it became necessary to temporarily relocate the SmW courses to another site. A suitable solution was found at the nearby KeMU Town Campus of Kenya Methodist University.
Upcoming Course Dates
The Foundation SmW runs ultrasound courses in Africa twice a year, each lasting two consecutive weeks: Module I in the spring and Module II in the autumn. You can find out when and where the next courses will be held here:
Activity Reports
Every ultrasound training course we conduct is documented in detail, in part to assess its long-term effectiveness. We would be happy to share these findings with you.