"I like helping patients with difficulties with their hip or knee. I like to figure out their problem and help them get back to what they like to do in life,” says Robert Barrack, MD, the chief of staff for orthopedic surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a specialist in adult hip and knee reconstruction.

And, he adds, “I like teaching bright young physicians in training.”

Dr. Barrack has practiced exclusively in the field of joint replacement for more than 15 years and has performed more than 3,000 joint replacements. He is an author of more than 200 scientific manuscripts and textbook chapters on joint replacement. His national reputation and expertise in the field of joint replacement led to his appointment last August as the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Distinguished Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and chief of the Adult Reconstructive Surgery Service for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the School of Medicine.

"I am honored to be at one of the premier orthopedic surgery departments in the country,” says Dr. Barrack. He says he chose to come to Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University, “because of great clinical and research facilities, a top medical school and all of the surgeons seem so happy in their work.”

Barrack completed a bachelor''s degree in chemistry with highest honors at the University of Tennessee and received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He then did an internship in general surgery at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va., and a residency in orthopedic surgery at Tulane University School of Medicine and Affiliated Hospitals.

He received further training in total joint replacement at New England Baptist Hospital before joining the staff of the Naval Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Calif. During his tenure there, he was the recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal for contributions to orthopedic education and research and for implementing and directing one of the few orthopedic tissue banks in the military.

After leaving the military, Barrack completed a fellowship in hip and implant surgery at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. From there, he joined the faculty of Tulane University School of Medicine, where he was residency program director, chief of the Adult Reconstructive Surgery Service, clinical professor of orthopedic surgery and adjunct professor of biomedical engineering.

He has received numerous national and international awards including the Russell Hibbs Award from the Scoliosis Research Society, the Award for Excellence in Sports Medicine Research from the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and the James Rand Award from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

"We are very fortunate to have a physician and surgeon of Dr. Barrack''s caliber," says Richard Gelberman, the head of orthopedic surgery. "He is nationally and internationally renowned as a specialist in joint replacement. Surgeons from all over the world who are interested in the latest innovations in minimal-incision surgery and image-guided surgery have been regular visitors to Dr. Barrack to learn those techniques."

For a referral to Dr. Barrack or another Washington University orthopedic specialist, call 314-TOP-DOCS (867-3627) or toll free 866-867-3627.