Research · Innovation · Education · Humanitarian aid
A US-based public charity foundation dedicated to advancing humanitarian orthopedic implant support, surgeon and professional training academies, and global congresses to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration.
This page reflects the Andry Foundation presentation prepared for internal review and planning. The foundation is not yet incorporated.
Global burden
% of people in low- and middle-income countries lack access to basic surgical care
Billion people affected by that lack of access to basic surgical care
Billion people with musculoskeletal conditions worldwide
01 — Mission statement proposal
A
Addressing global disparities in orthopedic care through research, innovation, education, and direct humanitarian aid.
B
Primarily operational — directly managing programs like training academies and congresses, rather than solely distributing grants. This hands-on approach ensures measurable impact and efficiency.
02 — Unmet or underexplored needs
Orthopedic implants significantly improve quality of life by reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and lowering long-term healthcare costs. However, persistent gaps create opportunities for impact.
01
High trauma burdens in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are unmet due to poor infrastructure, affordability issues, and surgeon shortages.
02
Factors like food insecurity and mental health worsen outcomes; few programs integrate these with medical support.
03
Issues include implant failures, metal debris complications, and the need for sustainable biomaterials. Philanthropy can bridge R&D gaps.
04
US efforts lag in public education for aging populations or sports injuries, unlike EU initiatives.
05
Overlooked needs include rehabilitation, mental health, and ethical transparency.
06
Differentiate from US-centric foundations by emphasizing global equity.
03 — Recommended positioning
Strategies informed by healthcare philanthropy best practices, differentiating the foundation from US-centric peers by emphasizing global equity.
01
Fund mobile clinics and training in low- and middle-income countries, with pilots in Africa and Asia. Partner with WHO; measure via DALYs.<br><br><em>Stands out from domestic-focused peers.</em>
02
Grants for wraparound services — nutrition, mental health — for vulnerable groups. Collaborate with nonprofits.<br><br><em>Differentiates from product-centric models.</em>
03
Fund eco-friendly implants and AI tools. Host challenges with universities.<br><br><em>Appeals to sustainability-focused donors.</em>
04
Global digital campaigns in multiple languages, partnering with sports leagues.<br><br><em>Exceeds competitors’ STEM efforts.</em>
04 — Core activities
The foundation will focus on a comprehensive set of initiatives. These are prioritized based on unmet needs and operational feasibility.
| No. | Initiative | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Research | Fund studies on implant efficacy, biomaterials, and patient outcomes. |
| 02 | Innovation | Support R&D for sustainable, affordable implants — for example 3D-printed or eco-friendly options. |
| 03 | Training | Provide hands-on programs for surgeons and allied professionals. |
| 04 | Academy for advancing education | Establish an online/offline academy offering certifications, webinars, and fellowships. |
| 05 | Convening congresses | Host annual global events for knowledge sharing and networking. |
| 06 | Community health initiatives | Promote musculoskeletal health in underserved areas. |
| 07 | Humanitarian access and support | Facilitate medical missions, travel for surgeons, and aid for the underserved. |
| 08 | Product donations | Partner with manufacturers for implant donations. |
| 09 | Prevention | Launch campaigns on bone health, injury prevention, and early intervention. |
| 10 | Monitoring | Track program impacts using metrics like surgeries performed and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) reduced. |
05 — Organizational structure and setup
A
501(c)(3) public charity — for tax-deductible donations, enhanced credibility, and eligibility for grants in the US.
B
US-based with international impact, through partnerships — for example affiliates in key regions like Africa, Latin America, or Asia — or collaborations with organizations like WHO or Operation Smile.
C
Primarily operational: directly managing programs like training academies and congresses, rather than solely distributing grants. This hands-on approach ensures measurable impact and efficiency.
06 — Board composition
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Francois Bopp | Founding member |
| Johan Schotte | Founding member |
| Dr. Kevin Plancher | Founding member |
| To be confirmed | Founding member |
Future expansion: aim for diverse expertise in orthopedics, philanthropy, and global health.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Recommend Delaware for favorable nonprofit laws, or California/New York for access to donors and partners. |
| Registered address | Could be a virtual office or co-located with a partner institution for cost savings. |
| Timeline | Target incorporation next month; begin with bylaws, mission statement, and IRS Form 1023 filing. |
| Committees | 5–7 members per committee, including experts such as orthopedic surgeons, researchers, and philanthropists. Criteria: expertise, diversity (geographic and gender), and commitment to humanitarian goals. |
| Membership model | A hybrid model: tiered memberships for individual surgeons and institutions, giving access to resources, congress discounts, and networking. |
| Next steps | Finalize board member selection; research jurisdiction options; schedule lawyer call; develop initial budget and fundraising plan. |
07 — Name origin and rationale
Named after Nicolas Andry de Bois-Regard (1658–1742), the “father of orthopedics.” In 1741 he coined “orthopédie” (from Greek “orthos” = straight/correct + “paidos” = child) in his book L’Orthopédie, focusing on correcting deformities in children.
His “crooked tree tied to a straight stake” emblem remains the universal symbol of orthopedics, representing correction and support — ideal for our focus on implants and restoration.
Honors the field’s origins; signals prestige to professionals. Aligns with humanitarian emphasis on vulnerable populations. Short, distinctive, and memorable.
Andry also pioneered parasitology, showcasing interdisciplinary innovation.
08 — Support the foundation
The foundation is structured as a 501(c)(3) public charity, allowing US donors to receive tax deductions in line with IRS guidelines for charitable contributions.
Impact is tracked using metrics like surgeries performed and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) reduced.
Prototype: no payment is processed. Donation platform and privacy requirements are still to be confirmed. Contact: Johan Schotte (@JohanSchotte).
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<a href=”#structure”>Nonprofit structure</a><br><a href=”#governance”>Board composition</a><br><a href=”#governance”>Jurisdiction and timeline</a><br><a href=”#about”>Name origin</a>
<a href=”#activities”>Research and innovation</a><br><a href=”#activities”>Training and academy</a><br><a href=”#activities”>Congresses</a><br><a href=”#activities”>Humanitarian access and support</a><br><a href=”#donate”>Donate</a><br><a href=”#governance”>Hybrid membership model</a><br><a href=”#governance”>Activity committees</a><br><a href=”#governance”>Governance</a>
All content on this page is drawn from the Andry Foundation presentation prepared for internal review and planning. The foundation is not yet incorporated; structure, board, jurisdiction and mission wording are proposals. Contact: Johan Schotte (@JohanSchotte)
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