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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.


  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1995

  • Fellowships

    Stanford University School of Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1992

  • Residencies

    Boston Medical Center, Orthopaedic Surgery, 1991

  • Internship

    University of Rochester Medical Center, General Surgery, 1987

  • Education

    University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 1986

  • Languages

    English

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    199 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 19, 2025
    It was a good experience as soon as he entered room. He walked in with a welcoming smile and listened to my concerns.
    Mar 05, 2025
    Dr Barber was very empathetic to my situation he listened and gave an excellent explanation of what was causing my discomfort. All that was very reassuring. I would recommend Dr Barber.
    Feb 26, 2025
    The BEST!!
    Feb 21, 2025
    Excellent from start to finish
    Feb 04, 2025
    I was pleased with his honesty and ability to explain the x-rays and my knee problems. He presented options clearly.
    Jan 31, 2025
    Dr. Barber is a great doctor and my experience from beginning to end was excellent.
    Jan 25, 2025
    Love the service.
    Jan 10, 2025
    Dr Barber went above and beyond!
    Jan 08, 2025
    Relieved to have found expert surgeon to help me.
    Dec 18, 2024
    Dr. Barber was happy with my post op recovery and addressed a concern with my other leg
    Nov 22, 2024
    Outstanding care.
    Nov 20, 2024
    Dr Barber reassure me that my right pelvis and hip are ok , that pain may be coming from my lower back or my cervical vertebra C5-C6 due to a pinch nerve
    Nov 20, 2024
    Dr. Barber is a fantastic physician and surgeon I could not be happier with him.
    Nov 06, 2024
    Exceeded all expectations!
    Oct 31, 2024
    Positive experience
    Oct 16, 2024
    I've already recommended two people
    Oct 09, 2024
    Most definitely!! A great experience!
    Oct 02, 2024
    Dr Barber is amazing. He literally changed my life after replacing both hips. Always a big smile, excellent eye contact, superb surgical skills, a genuinely lovely human. I feel so fortunate to have him for my surgeon.
    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
    Jul 19, 2024
    Good
    Jul 17, 2024
    Dr. Is very through and explains in detail.
    Jul 15, 2024
    Dr. Barber is THE BEST!
    Jul 10, 2024
    Love Dr Barber!
    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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