Goldfarb is listed as the first Gelberman professor | Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

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A national leader in orthopedic surgery respected for clinical excellence, compassionate patient care

Dan Donovan

Charles Goldfarb, MD, (center) has been named the Richard H. Gelberman, MD, Distinguished Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Louis. He was installed by Chancellor Andrew Martin (right) and David H. Perlmutter, MD, (left) executive vice president for medical affairs, George and Carol Bauer Dean of the School of Medicine, and Spencer T .and Ann W. Olin. Dear Professor.

Charles A. Goldfarb, MD, a widely respected orthopedic surgeon, has been named the Richard H. Gelberman, MD, Distinguished Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Louis. The professorship was established in honor of renowned hand surgeon Richard H. Gelberman, MD, former longtime head of the Department of Surgical Medicine.

Goldfarb, associate vice chair of the department, was introduced by Chancellor Andrew D. Martin and David H. Perlmutter, MD, George and Carol Bauer Dean of the School of Medicine, associate vice dean for medical affairs, and Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor.

“The establishment of this professorship by the Department of Surgery is a testament to the many lives Dr. Gelberman has touched through his clinical knowledge, leadership and mentorship,” Martin said. “We are grateful for the generous support of the many donors who made this possible. Their generosity is key to recognizing Dr. Goldfarb and the deep dedication to patient care and advancement of the orthopedic department that he and Dr. .Gelberman who share. They both deserve this honor.”

Goldfarb specializes in the care of children with hand and upper limb differences – including genetic conditions that are present from birth or develop as a result of trauma or illness. Helping such children is his passion and has greatly influenced his research. In 2014, he led the development of a coalition of organizations and national leaders who are committed to advancing the understanding of care for children with high-level birth defects.

“Dr. Goldfarb is a gifted surgeon, a brilliant physician-scientist, and a trusted and thoughtful mentor and leader,” said Perlmutter. “This professorship was born out of the desire of many to honor the many years of Dr. Gelberman’s leadership and impact on countless lives—of his patients, his colleagues, and the many orthopedic surgeons around the country whom he helped mentor.”

When Goldfarb was director of the Hand and Microsurgery Service, the division emerged as a national leader, attracting top fellowship applicants. As director of pediatric and adolescent orthopedics, Goldfarb expanded and enhanced the clinical program, providing excellent care for children and adolescents with spine, hip, arm, leg and foot conditions, as well as and those with traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. Since 2019, Goldfarb has been the department’s assistant deputy chairman, where he oversees its 11 divisions.

“Dr. “Goldfarb’s clinical care and research has established the University of Washington as one of the few major orthopedic centers in the United States,” said Regis O’Keefe, MD, PhD, Fred C. Reynolds Professor of Orthopedics. “He also cares about athletes at all levels, and great athletes from all over the country seek his care. He has an amazing ability to provide compassionate care.” respect.”

Goldfarb, an innovative and talented physician, has been awarded the department’s Palma Chironis Award for teaching excellence, and the Jerome Gilden Compassionate Physician Award, an honor created by residents who recognize commitment, ability and compassion for patients. He also received the Andrew J. Weiland Award for Outstanding Research in Hand Surgery, from the American Foundation for Surgery of the Hand in 2021.

Gelberman – who studies the effects of growth factors and inflammatory cytokines on tendon healing – led the department from January 1995 until October 2014. As the inaugural department head, he recruit and assemble a team that has set the national standard for clinical excellence and orthopedic research. surgery. He has been recognized with many awards, among them his election to the National Academy of Medicine. He is one of very few orthopedic surgeons to be honored.