Dr. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei made history as the first Black orthopaedic surgeon to be named Full Professor and Chief of the Spine Center at the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the #1 Orthopaedic Hospital in the United States.
Trailblazing Accomplishments
Dr. Boachie-Adjei’s journey to this prestigious position has been marked by numerous milestones and accolades. In 2009, he became the second Black president of the esteemed Scoliosis Research Society, further solidifying his position as a leading authority in the field of spinal deformities and complex spine reconstruction.
“Nana Prof. Boachie Adjei is an Emeritus Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College and Chief emeritus of the Scoliosis Service at Hospital for Special Surgery, HSS, and an Emeritus Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon at both HSS and New York-Presbyterian Hospital,” according to his biography.
Pioneering Contributions
Dr. Boachie-Adjei’s expertise in the treatment of spine deformities and complex spine reconstruction in both adult and pediatric patients has earned him numerous accolades and awards.
Among his notable achievements are the coveted Russell Hibbs Award for Best Clinical Research Paper, awarded to him in 1989, 2002, and 2013 by the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), and the Louis Goldstein Award for Best Clinical Poster in 1999 and 2002.
“He has published and lectured extensively on spine surgery, with special emphasis on surgery to correct complex spine deformity. He is also an inventor who holds several patents for devices used in spine surgery,” his biography states.
Inspiring Legacy and Philanthropic Efforts
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Boachie-Adjei’s impact extends to his philanthropic efforts and dedication to mentorship. As the President and Founder of the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS), he has worked tirelessly to improve access to orthopaedic care in underserved communities.
“He has trained over 500 orthopedic and spine surgeons all over the world including 5 of Ghana’s fellowship trained spine deformity surgeons,” his biography highlights.
Dr. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei’s remarkable journey as the first Black orthopaedic surgeon to hold such a prestigious position at HSS serves as an inspiration to aspiring medical professionals, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse healthcare landscape.
