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Dr. Thomas C. Barber is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in total joint replacement. He is particularly interested in challenging cases of hip or knee replacement, as well as in revision surgery (techniques to correct failures or damage from previous surgeries). His expertise includes minimally invasive total knee surgery and surface replacement arthroplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that preserves more of the joint's bone than traditional joint replacement.

Barber's research interests include using registries (databases to collect information on patients with a certain condition) to improve outcomes and expand knowledge of total hip and knee surgery.

Barber earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at Boston University and a fellowship in reconstructive surgery at Stanford Medicine. Prior to joining UCSF, he helped launch the award-winning Kaiser Permanente National Total Joint Replacement Registry, a tool for evaluating surgical outcomes. He also chaired a development team that pioneered patient-to-doctor messaging in the Kaiser Permanente system. Previously, he served as vice president of perioperative services at UCSF and associate deputy physician-in-chief of perioperative services at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

A member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Barber has served on its board of directors, chaired its advocacy council, and served on its committees on health care delivery and prevention of medical errors. He also has served on the board of the American Joint Replacement Registry, and he belongs to the American Orthopaedic Association and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.


  • Education

    University of Rochester, MD, 1986

  • Residencies

    Boston University, Orthopedic Surgery, 1991

  • Fellowships

    Stanford Medicine, Reconstructive Surgery, 1992

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    116 Ratings
    About our process
    Aug 30, 2024
    He not only addressed the issue at hand but also knew that I had seen a nurse practitioner a couple of weeks ago and ask about the issue that had brought me in. Very thorough and conscientious.
    Aug 09, 2024
    Awesome
    Jun 28, 2024
    Thank you so much Dr. Barber for keeping your word, when I first met you. You told me not to worry. Everything was going to be alright. You kept your word. I felt like the pain in my knee was never going to go away. Last week, I finally made it over that hump after I received the 6 Day Medications, and started Physical Therapy. Thank you so much. You just became my favorite Doctor. You replaced retired Dr. James Ostroff, who was my favorite for 20 long years!!!
    Jun 19, 2024
    Dr Barber is excellent throughout his services
    May 10, 2024
    Dr. Thomas Barber is a great surgeon with excellent bedside manner. I would definitely recommend him.
    Apr 26, 2024
    They were very helpful and good
    Apr 23, 2024
    All providers attentive and friendly, good experience
    Apr 19, 2024
    I am very grateful to Dr. Barber for his very kind manner with me. My medical story is lengthy but he patiently listened and had great follow up questions. Dr. Barber is a compassionate doctor and I am so happy to be under his care.
    Mar 20, 2024
    I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT DR. BARBER AND HIS AMAZING STAFF. I WAS CALLED, BEFORE I COULD CALL, TO ASK A QUESTION MYSELF. THE STAFF WAS INTUITIVE AND COMPASSIONATE.
    Mar 13, 2024
    Dr Barber gave me an injection in my knee (BTW after visit references the right knee-it's the left). I haven't felt this good in a year!
    Mar 13, 2024
    Fantastic Doc!
    Mar 06, 2024
    Over all I have good experiencie with my visit at the clinic with everyone. Except for the distance from where I live. I wish,if possible I could have future appointments at the SF office.

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