Lifebanc chooses Obeng as director of tissue services

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Dr. Michael K. Obeng, chief of plastic surgery for St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, has been named medical director of Lifebanc’s Tissue Services.

In that position, Dr. Obeng will evaluate tissue standard operating procedures for compliance with the American Association of Tissue Banks and the Food and Drug Administration, said Gordon Bowen, Lifebanc chief executive officer.

“Dr. Obeng is a recognized innovator in the field of reconstructive surgery, and his advancements and knowledge will help heal more lives through tissue donation,” Bowen added. “Lifebanc looks forward to seeing continued results with Dr. Obeng.”

“It is truly a pleasure to be a part of the Lifebanc family, an organization that has improved the quality of life of so many individuals across the globe over the last quarter-century,” Dr. Obeng said.

“I look forward to working with this great organization to continue in their path of excellence in the art and science of tissue recovery and processing.”

Dr. Obeng also is assistant clinical professor of surgery at the University Of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh; assistant clinical professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens; and adjunct assistant professor at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, Calif.

Dr. Obeng has authored numerous research projects and received many academic and professional awards.

He also is the founder and chief executive officer of R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Worldwide, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free reconstructive surgery and medical services to children, battered individuals and people with congenital deformities.

In 2010, Lifebanc helped save and heal more than 25,000 people through organ, eye and tissue donation. Additionally, 5,177 tissues were recovered from 491 tissue donors that improved the lives of people through transplants, Bowen said.