Richard J. DiStefano, MD

About Our Survey 4.3

Phone: (315) 251-3232

Dr. DiStefano is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal surgery and also practices general orthopedic surgery, including trauma fracture care, joint reconstruction and replacements, arthroscopic surgeries of the shoulders and knees, and hand surgery.  He received his medical degree from SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse School of Medicine and a degree in chemical engineering from Yale University. 

Dr. DiStefano has also participated in a humanitarian medical expedition providing surgical services in Lima, Peru.

Practicing Locations

Dewitt-Widewaters and Heritage Commons

Richard J. DiStefano, MD 4.3

Friendliness/Courtesy of Care Provider: 4.5

Care Provider explanations of problem/condition: 4.3

Care Provider concern for questions/worries: 4.2

Care Provider efforts to include in decisions: 4.3

Care Provider information about medications: 4

Care Provider instructions for follow-up care: 4.2

Care Provider spoke using clear language: 4.5

Time Care provider spent with patient: 4.1

Patient's confidence in Care Provider: 4.2

Likelihood of recommending Care Provider: 4.3

Education
Tupper Lake Central High School, 1972-1976
Regents High School Diploma, June 1976

Yale University, Engineering and Applied Science/ Chemical Engineer, 1976-1980
BS Degree, May 1980 

St. Lawrence University, Pre Med Course Work, 1983-1984

SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse, School of Medicine, 1985-1989
Medical Doctorate Degree, May 1989

Orthopedic Training Residency
SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse, Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship Residency Program, 1990-1994
SUNY Health Science Center at Buffalo, Spine Surgery Fellowship, 1994-1995

General Surgical Training
SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse, General Surgery Internship, 1989-1990

The Clinical Experience
Specializes in spinal surgery and also practices general orthopedic surgery including trauma fracture care, joint reconstruction and replacements, arthroscopic surgeries of the shoulders and knees, and hand surgery.

Licensure
State of New York, 1991

Publications

Presentations/Publications
Simmons, Ed, DiStefano R.J.; Thirty- six years of experience of cervical extension osteotomy in ankylosing spondylitis. Spine 2006; 31:3006-3012

Spadaro, J.A; DiStefano, R.J.; Chase S.E.; Evaluation of Dense and Porous Antimicrobial hydroxyapatite materials. Orthopedic research Society; Washington, D.C. February 1992

Spadaro, J.A; DiStefano, R.J.; Chase S.E.: An antibacterial hydroxyapatite- In- vitro and In vivo Studies. Society for Biomaterials Transactions; Scottsdale, AZ May 1991

Spadaro, J.A; DiStefano, R.J.; Chase S.E.: demineralized Bone Alloimplants- Effects of PMF stimulation on ossification. Bioelectrochemical Society Transactions; Pont- A- Mousson, France. September 1989

Spadaro, J.A; DiStefano, R.J.; Chase S.E. Effect of PEMF on early phase of bone induction. Bioelectrical Repair and Growth Society Transactions; Cleveland, OH. September 1989