F.O.C.O.S. He had come to realize the need, especially in developing and third world countries for international cooperation among specialists to advance the diagnosis, treatment and control of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal and spine systems. His commitment to sharing his knowledge and training to help the disabled led him to establish the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine. Dr. Boachie-Adjei has over a decade of clinical experience in orthopedics and complex spine disorders and is dedicated to bringing his experience to the international community with the help of other surgeons, specialists and volunteers. 

Dr. Boachie-Adjei graduated from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. His postdoctoral training was at St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center, The Hospital for Special Surgery, Twin Cities Scoliosis Center and The University of Minnesota. He is the Chief of the Scoliosis Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery and has widely published in periodicals, journals and many magazines. Dr. Boachie-Adjei lectures extensively world-wide. He is a member of many professional societies: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Scoliosis Research Society, North American Spine Society, American Medical Association, American Orthopedic Association and Eastern Orthopedic Association. He has received several citations in New York Magazine as one of New York's best doctors. 

THE FOUNDATION OF ORTHOPEDICS AND COMPLEX SPINE (FOCOS) 

MISSION:
To make optimal surgical and non-surgical care of disabling musculoskeletal problems including complex spine deformity and pediatric orthopaedic disorders available to people in developing nations.

VISION:
To develop a sustainable infrastructure and network through which focus volunteers, donors and health care partners can efficiently and consistently carry out our mission.

STRATEGIC GOALS:

F.O.C.O.S. IN GHANA AND BARBADOS
FOCOS continues to make strides in bringing state of the art free and affordable care to both the young and old of Ghana and Barbados who are afflicted with spine deformities and disorders of the spine. Spinal cord monitoring was introduced in Ghana and Barbados for the first time through the efforts of FOCOS. Since the beginning of the program in 1998, 150 individuals have benefited from the surgical program with cost savings of approximately $10 million (US dollars). FOCOS volunteer surgeons, nurses, surgical technicians, and physical therapists have joined in the effort to bring this much needed and costly care to these patients. For patients who have gone several years without treatment, deformities assume levels of great magnitude with even greater risks to other organ systems such as the heart and lungs. Moreover, surgical intervention is high risk and demands a complex approach of transthoracic (through the chest cavity) and posterior procedures. FOCOS surgeons team with local orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists and other medical specialists to successfully perform these complex procedures. To date, the FOCOS program in Barbados has treated 40 patients who have complex spine deformities, resulting in significant cost savings to the nation.

Objectives
An international program dedicated to treating orthopedic, spine and rheumatic conditions from infancy to adulthood in underserved countries. 

To establish an orthopaedic and spine care institute in Ghana, and provide complete orthopaedic and spine care for West Africa. Such a tertiary care center will include comprehensive diagnostic and treatment facilities. 

The Foundation intends to purchase the necessary equipment to manage musculoskeletal disorders, and will accept donations from benefactors in monetary and/or material form. 

The Foundation sponsors and conducts forums. Such forums will be conducted and attended by orthopaedic surgeons and specialists in musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatology to exchange information about research, surgical applications, and other developments in treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. The multidisciplinary team will include orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, anesthesiologists, general and vascular surgeons, medical intensivists, radiologists, physiatrists, nurse case managers, occupational and physical therapists, and research associates. 

To cooperate with other international centers and specialists to establish post graduate training programs. 

A comprehensive diagnostic imaging, orthotic and prosthetic center in Ghana to include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scan. 

Other ancillary services will include general laboratory, pathology, social and nutrition services, and an audiovisual and biomedical library with internet and tele-medicine capabilities.