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PRESS RELEASE – ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
October 16, 2023
The Orthopaedic Institute of Southern Illinois (OISI) announces the retirement of Roland J. Barr, MD, effective November 30, 2023. Dr. Barr has been with the organization for 24 years and has played a large part in the development of Southern Illinois Orthopedic Center and the Total Joint Center of Excellence in Southern Illinois.
Dr. Barr has always loved living and investing in small midwestern college towns. He grew up in Columbia, Missouri and Athens, Ohio. Then after college at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, medical school at the University of Arizona in Tucson, orthopedic surgery residency in Dayton, and a fellowship in total joint reconstruction at the University of California – San Diego, he moved to Carbondale. Dr. Barr knew within hours of his first visit to the area that this would be the best opportunity for him and the right community for his family. He has worked his entire career with this group practice in Southern Illinois, doing general orthopedics and trauma, as well as specializing in complex and revision total joint replacement surgery. He remained an active fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, and has served as a clinical assistant professor at the SIU College of Medicine.
“Dr. Barr has made such an impact on the quality of life for so many people in Southern Illinois. I know that he will truly be missed by patients and colleagues alike. His patient-centered work ethic and orientation to detail in the operating room has led to the superior surgical care that he has delivered to our region.” said Justin D. Harris, CEO of the Orthopaedic Institute. “His leadership skills at the surgery center (SIOC), the practice (OISI), and Southern Illinois Healthcare have produced great results through the orthopaedic and total joint replacement programs he has helped build and develop.”
“It has been a privilege to live and work with the people of Southern Illinois,” said Dr. Barr. “I am grateful to my patients and fellow workers in this blessed and rewarding field of medicine. I apologize to those who would prefer and assumed that I would work many more years. I have come to summarize my decision in this way: Referring to the sisters of Lazarus, for most of my life I have been more like Martha. I feel that God is now calling me to be more like Mary. I do not know where this path will lead, but good things are sure to come if we live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all.”
Dr. Barr will continue to follow-up with his patients until November 30, 2023, and will recommend the best physician for each patient to see for orthopedic care in the future.
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