Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, philanthropist and Founder of R.E.S.T.O.R.E Worldwide Inc. Foundation, Dr Michael K Obeng, has been recognised as one of the 2020 EBONY Power 100 honorees along with other powerhouses.

Obeng who was described by EBONY as a humanitarian, health-care consultant and a true visionary, who has transcended barriers and all stereotypes; continuing to trail-blaze paths that many only dream of.

Apart from his reputation as a “Surgeon to the Stars”, numerous philanthropic and entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Obeng founded R.E.S.T.O.R.E (Restoring Emotional Stability Through Outstanding Reconstructive Efforts) Worldwide in 2008, an organisation that provides free reconstructive surgeries in various African countries to children and adults with disfiguring deformities from birth, accidents, and diseases, involving not only the head and neck region but also the extremities, trunk and breasts. R.E.S.T.O.R.E also educates local healthcare professionals on the latest techniques and safety measures in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr Obeng, originally from Ghana, is the only African plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. He frequently consults with governments and multilateral organisations to strategically advise on health policy and related matters. 

He is also the President of Global Health Solution, a healthcare consulting firm that is bridging the gap between morbidity and healthy living.

Others on the 2020 Ebony Power 100 list include Mayor of Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot; Co-Founder, FUBU, J Alexander Martin; Vice President, Global Partnerships, Google, Incorporated, Bonita Coleman Stewart, amongst many prominent African American and Africans.

Dr Obeng was mentioned in the “Community Crusaders” category for the Ebony Power list, for his efforts aimed at providing free reconstructive surgery to children with disfiguring deformities on the African continent.

Since R.E.S.T.O.R.E’s inception a decade ago, Dr Obeng and his team of volunteers and health professionals have travelled to several developing countries around the globe including Nigeria, Gabon, Guatemala, Mexico, Vietnam, Laos and Ghana. To date, R.E.S.T.O.R.E has provided over 700 surgeries in three different continents to a tune in excess of $35 million USD over a span of a decade.

Last year Dr Miko, as he is fondly called along with a team of twenty health-care volunteers from five different countries and three different continents, embarked on another medical mission to Gabon where they provided 88 free reconstructive surgery and screened 162 patients. This was their second medical mission in the country and a celebration of the 10th anniversary of R.E.S.T.O.R.E.

In 2020, EBONY is celebrating 75 years of serving the Black community, showcasing the stories and achievements of Black people in all areas of American society and culture. In 1971, EBONY introduced the “Most Influential Black Americans List”, which has evolved into the annual EBONY Power 100 List.

“We are thrilled to be able to recognize those who are making a difference for our people around the world,” said Willard Jackson, EBONY Chairman and CEO. “Every name on the list is a leader and have had a positive impact on the African-American community. They shape perceptions, influence culture and galvanize communities. They are game-changers at a time when we need people to get in the game.”

Ebony magazine, founded in 1945 by John H, Johnson, is a monthly American publication that focuses on news, culture, and entertainment. Its target audience is the African-American community, and its coverage includes the lifestyles and accomplishments of influential black people, fashion, beauty, and politics.

The publication is renowned globally for the focus it gives to African-American issues, personalities and interests in a positive and self-affirming manner.