FOCOS sends qualified professionals to Ghana and Barbados to train local health care provides in:Ý spine surgery, hip and knee surgery, nursing, orthotics, physical therapy, and pediatric orthopedics. These highly skilled volunteers come from both private practice and hospital settings.

FOCOS designs and implements programs in Ghana and Barbados. Seminars are done with the local staff in both countries including nursing, physiotherapy and orthotic education.

Volunteer surgeons perform spine, hip or knee surgery on indigent patients. Nurses work in the operating room along side the surgeons and frequently surgeons bring their own nurses to assist them. Physiatrists perform EMGs on patients as a diagnostic tool. Physiotherapists work in the clinic teaching patients to perform therapy on their own. Orthotists fit patients for braces and other apparatus. Many doctors lecture, serve as clinical instructors, conduct ward rounds and demonstrate various techniques in the classrooms, in clinics and in operating rooms. Non medical personnel collect data for the FOCOS patient database. During downtime the volunteers tour the countryside and shop for African artifacts.

Most programs require that volunteers serve for at least one week. The surgery week is usually the first week of a two week program. The second week is clinic week. But a volunteerís time is negotiable and can be customized to fit your schedule.

Spouses and families frequently accompany volunteers on their assignments. Often, family members are able to volunteer. Spouses without clinical training may work as administrators or in some clerical capacity. Many times they work with the inventory.

Each program is managed by Dr. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, the Founder of FOCOS. Dr. Boachie and the Medical Advisory Committee decide who will go on the trips. The Medical Advisory Committee is responsible for screening and orientint the volunteers. They have extensive information about local customs, housing arrangements, health conditions and pertinent information. While the FOCOS staff may help make logistical arrangements and prepare the volunteers to teach, it is Dr. Boachie and other returned volunteers who are the principal resources for clinically-oriented questions and concerns.

Volunteers pay for transportation to and from a program site (airfare). Most sites provide room, board and daily transportation for the volunteers at a nominal fee of $100.00 for room and $100.00 for food.

Since FOCOS is registered as a nonprofit with the US Internal Revenue Service, most travel and living expenses and related costs incurred by a volunteer are a tax-deductible donation. Volunteers keep track of their expenses and upon returning submit a Financial Contribution Form to FOCOS noting these expenses. FOCOS sends a letter or acknowledgement which, along with relevant receipts can be used for income tax reporting purposes.

FOCOS volunteers adhere to all local registration requirements in each country of service. FOCOS has limited malpractice insurance in Ghana for their core surgeons. New volunteer surgeons should contact their malpractice insurance carrier for guidance. Volunteers have to submit documentation about their education, licensure, and certification status.

As for travel or health insurance FOCOS does not have the resources to provide any special policy to volunteers. Consult your insurance company regarding coverage provided by your policy while abroad. FOCOS strongly recommend that all volunteers procure medical evacuation insurance prior to departure. Medjet is an insurance company that provides air travel out of the program countries in case of emergency. Medjetís website address is: www.medjetassistance.com

First become a member of FOCOS. Members receive newsletters with program updates. Donations provided the financial support needed to sustain the Foundation. To begin the placement process, complete a volunteer application and personal statement. Completion of this form does not commit you in any way nor does it guarantee your selection. Mail the application and personal statement to the FOCOS address.

FOCOS
P.O. Box 665
Lenox Hill Station
New York, NY 10021

You will be notified by email or telephone of your acceptance or denial.

Volunteers have numerous resources at their disposal to prepare for an assignment. The most effective volunteers are those who take the time to learn about the country where they will be serving as well as about the project.

All volunteers receive a sheet listing the best clothing to pack, items to take with you and items to leave at home. Contact information and newsletters noting reports from previous volunteersí experiences.

The packet will contain Department of State Background Notes on Ghana, visa and insurance information travel agency recommendations, immunization and health advice and other information pertinent to Ghana.

FOCOS website is an excellent location for information regarding previous trips and what to expect.

Volunteers are also advised to contact previous volunteers and the Program Director for insight into the FOCOS experience. They should be able to provide details about the trainees, their level of education, their English language skills, what topics have been covered, etc.

For historical, cultural and sightseeing information volunteers are relaxed and confident, with a thorough knowledge of the siteís trainees and training needs.

Creativity, flexibility, a sense of humor, a willingness to learn, adequate preparation, and a commitment to sharing knowledge and skills. Volunteers do not need previous teaching experience to participate in FOCOS programs. Effective communication skills and teaching principles are covered in pre-trip orientation.

Foundation for Orthopedics and Complex Spine, Inc.
P.O. Box 665
Lenox Hill Station