Respected Spine Surgeon Returning Home: Dr. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei is Ghana-Bound

Dr. Boachie-Adjei has spent several years in the United States as a respected surgeon, leader and mentor. He came to the United States when he was 21 years old with $12 in his pocket, according to the AAOS report, and went on to graduate from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons with his medical degree.

He then completed a fellowship in orthopedic pathology at Hospital for Special Surgery, eventually shifting his focus to the spine subspecialty. He underwent a spine fellowship at the Twin Cities Scoliosis Center and Minnesota Spine Center before returning to HSS where he became the chief of the scoliosis service in 1995.

But his ultimate goal was returning to Ghana. He contributed $100,000 to help fund the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine Orthopedic Hospital to care for patients in Ghana and other developing nations. The hospital also educates local surgeons and caregivers. Dr. Boachie-Adjei traveled with volunteers to Ghana and other countries providing care for eight years, eventually constructing their own outpatient clinic to see patients and store medical records.

Some of the highlights of Dr. Boachie-Adjei's career include:

•    AAOS Humanitarian Award
•    President of the Scoliosis Research Society
•    Featured in the documentary "Surgery Saved My Life" on the Discovery Channel
•    Wholeness Life Award from the Hospital for Special Surgery
•    Science and Peace Gold Medal (Humanitarian Award) from Albert Schweitzer International University

He also holds several patents for his spine devices and innovations. He participated in genetic mapping studies of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.

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