Meet two of our doctors, Thomas V. DiStefano, MD, and Patrick B. Harr, MD

Dr. Harr (left) and Dr. DiStefano (right)
 

Dr. DiStefano received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in computer science.  He went on to complete his master's degree in anatomy at the University of Maryland's Dental School.

In 1993, Dr. Distefano earned his medical degree at Tulane University Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He received the AOA Ball and Chain Award as the top anatomy student and was also named Distinguished Medical Student by the Alumni Association.

He completed his internship in general surgery and residency in orthopedic surgery at the Medical College of Virginia.  Dr. DiStefano completed a fellowship in orthopedic surgery sports medicine at Tulane University.

Dr. DiStefano has published many of his writings on orthopedics.  He is currently involved in two research programs.  He has been working as an orthopedic surgeon at St. Francis Hospital & Health Services since 1999.

A native of Maryville, Missouri, Dr. Harr attended Northwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia for pre med preparation.  After graduating from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, Dr. Harr comleted a residency in family medicine at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York.  Before returning to Maryville, Dr. Harr served two years in the United States Air Force.

Since 1974, Dr. Harr has been synonymous with Sports Medicine in Northwest Missouri.  He serves as team physician for both Maryville High School and Northwest Missouri State.  He has also been a volunteer physician for state championship football and wrestling.  Dr. Harr has attended many Sports Medicine conferences and has lectured nationally on Sports Medicine topics.  He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine.

In 1994, Dr. Harr received the Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri State High School Activities Association for his efforts to help athletes across the state.  In 1996, he was inducted into the Missouri Athletic Trainer's Hall of Fame.  More recently, Dr. Harr was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions in Sports Medicine.

From 1992-1998, Dr. Harr was director and officer in the American Academy of Family Physician's Board of Directors.  In 1996-1997, Dr. Harr served as president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

When not on the sideline, Dr. Harr enjoys skiing and golf.  He has four children; 2 older daughters, a son who played football at Northwest Missouri State, and a younger daughter who attends the University of Missouri.

Dr. Harr's dream of building a regional Sports Medicine clinic came to fruition in 1999 when Dr. Thomas DiStefano joined him in practice.  Dr. Harr provides expertise in diagnosis and treatment of athletic injury and illness to complement Dr. DiStefano's surgical expertise.

In addition to superior staff, St. Francis also offers the Walk-in Sports Injury Clinic.