Biography

Dr. Zach Pharr is a board-certified fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine with an emphasis on non-operative and minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee injuries. He currently serves as a team physician for the Tennessee Titans as well as multiple colleges and high schools in the middle Tennessee area.

His subspecialty training and expertise give him the unique ability to treat athletes of all ages with a focus on optimizing his patients for return to play. He is committed to treating every patient as family with care that is supported by the highest degree of compassion, innovation, research, and technology. Throughout his training, he served as a team physician for the University of Memphis Tigers, University of Alabama Crimson Tide, Memphis Redbirds and Birmingham Barons minor league baseball teams, Memphis Grizzlies, and the SEC Baseball Tournament. In addition, he helped care for athletes of Major League Baseball (MLB), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and Alabama Ballet.

Dr. Pharr received his undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University while playing 4 years of Division 1 Golf with a Major in Biology and Minors in both Chemistry and Psychology. He received his medical degree (MD) at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine where he served as an elected member of class leadership, graduated Summa Cum Laude with Alpha Omega Alpha honors, and was selected by his peers to the Gold Humanism Honor Society for his compassionate care. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the historic Campbell Clinic where he served as a peer selected Chief Resident. Following residency, he completed an additional sports medicine fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama assisting with team orthopaedic coverage for the University of Alabama 2020-2021 National Champion football team.

In addition to patient care, Dr. Pharr is committed to education of the next generation and serves as an associate professor for rotating medical students as well as a clinical professor for Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine and Lipscomb University’s Physician Assistant program. He has authored multiple journal articles, book chapters, and surgical videos, including multiple presentations throughout the country, and an award-winning paper for Tommy John Surgery of the elbow with UCL repair. Furthermore, he has invented hip arthroscopy instrumentation that provides safer and more efficient surgery that is used by surgeons across the globe.

Education

Undergraduate:
Lipscomb University, Biology, Nashville, TN.

Medical School:
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine Memphis, TN 

Residency:
Campbell Clinic, Orthopaedic Surgery Residency,Memphis, TN 

Fellowship:
American Sports Medicine Institute, Sports Medicine Fellowship, Birmingham, Alabama

Research

Publications
1. Rothermich MA, Pharr ZK, et al. Clinical Outcomes of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery in Nonthrowing Athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2022 Oct;50(12):3368-3373. doi: 10.1177/03635465221120654. Epub 2022 Sep 13. PMID: 36112993

2. Pharr Z, et al. Does the transfusion rate following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty warrant aggressive peri-operative blood management? An indications-based analysis, Seminars in Arthroplasty: JSES, Accepted

3. Pharr Z, et al. Frozen Shoulder Manipulation with the FEAR Technique: A Retrospective Case Series with Minimum Two-Year Follow-up. Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(2):096–099, 2022

4. Matthew M et al, Pharr Z. Risk Factors for Prolonged Time to Discharge in Total Hip Patients Performed in an Ambulatory Surgery Center due to Complaints of the Inability to Void. Journal of Arthroplasty, 24 June 2021

5. McClatchy S, Cline S, Rider C, Pharr Z, et al. Blood Management in Outpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty. Orthopedic Clinics of North America. 6 May 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocl.2021.03.004

6. Pharr Z, et al. Outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty are similar in rotator cuff-intact and rotator cuff-deficient shoulders. Seminars in Arthroplasty: JSES. 2021.

7. McClatchy S, Pharr Z, et al. Defining Outpatient Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Published ahead of print, July 2020

8. Pharr Z, et al. Outpatient Hip Safety in an Ambulatory Surgery Center is Independent of Approach. Journal of Arthroplasty. July 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2020.07.068

9. Pharr Z, et al. Cyclops lesions after ACL Reconstruction: Bone-Tendon- Bone Autograft compared to Hamstring Autograft. Current Orthopaedic Practice. 31(1):36-40, January-February 2020.

10. Pharr Z, et al. Cyclops lesions after ACL Reconstruction: Bone-Tendon- Bone Autograft compared to Hamstring Autograft. Abstract publication. Campbell Orthopaedic Journal, May 2018.

11. Pharr Z, et al. Use of a Core Reamer for the Resection of a Central Distal Femoral Physeal Bone Bridge: A Novel Technique with 3-Year Follow-up. American Journal of Orthopedics. May 10, 2018

12. Littleton T, Pharr Z, et al. Proximal Both-Bone Forearm Fractures in Children: Factors Predicting Outcome. Current Orthopaedic Practice. 29(3):203-208, May/June 2018

13. Marcrom S, Pharr Z, et al. Partial Breast Radiation using Strut Adjusted Volume Implant: Radiation Necrosis is Associated with Dosimetric Parameters and Can Induce Biopsy. Abstract publication. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 2013.

Podium Presentations
1. Pharr Z, et al. Clinical Outcomes of UCL Surgery in Non-throwing Athletes. Blind Squirrel Society 2022 Meeting. Birmingham, AL, Apr, 2022

2. Pharr Z, et al. Clinical Outcomes of UCL Surgery in Non-throwing Athletes. COS 2021 Annual Meeting. Nashville, TN, Nov, 2021

3. Mathew M, Rider CM, Pharr ZK, et al. Urinary Retention Infrequent After Anterior THA in the Surgery Center. COS 2020 Annual Meeting. Virtual. Nashville, TN, Sep, 2020

4. Pharr Z, et al. Similar Outcomes for Rotator Cuff Intact and Rotator Cuff Deficient Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. MAOA 2020 Annual Meeting, Bonita Springs, FL. Apr 25, 2020

5. Pharr Z, et al. Outpatient Hip Safety in an ASC is Independent of Approach. AAOS 2020 Annual Meeting. Orlando, FL. Mar 26, 2020

6. Pharr Z, et al. Similar Outcomes for Rotator Cuff Intact and Rotator Cuff Deficient Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. Orthopaedic Summit 2019, Las Vegas, NV. Dec 13, 2019

7. Pharr Z, et al. Similar Outcomes following Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Regardless of Cuff Status. Clinical Orthopaedic Society 107th Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA. Sep 20, 2019

8. Pharr Z, et al. Outpatient Hip Safety in an ASC is Independent of Approach. Clinical Orthopaedic Society 107th Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA. Sep 20, 2019.

9. Pharr Z, et al. Does the Transfusion Rate Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Warrant Aggressive Perioperative Blood Management?: An Indications-Based Analysis MAOA 2019 Annual Meeting, Mirimar beach, FL. Apr 13, 2019.

10. Pharr Z, et al. Does the Transfusion Rate Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Warrant Aggressive Blood Management? AAOS 2019 Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV. Mar 13, 2019.

11. Pharr Z, et al. Does the Transfusion Rate Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Warrant Aggressive Perioperative Blood Management?: An Indications-Based Analysis Orthopaedic Summit 2018 Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV. Dec 8, 2018.

12. Pharr Z, et al. Pre-operative Diagnosis Influences Blood Transfusions in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty COS 2018 Annual Meeting, Austin, TX. Sep 28, 2018.

13. Pharr Z, et al. Frozen Shoulder Manipulation with FEAR Technique: Minimum Two-Year Follow-up COS 2018 Annual Meeting, Austin, TX. Sep 27, 2018.

14. Pharr Z, et al. Does the Transfusion Rate Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Warrant Aggressive Peri-operative Blood Management?: An Indications-based Analysis TOS 2018 Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN. Aug 26, 2018.

15. Pharr Z, et al. Cyclops lesions after ACL Reconstruction: Bone-Tendon-Bone Autograft compared to Hamstring Autograft MAOA 2018 Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX. Apr 21, 2018.

16. Pharr Z, et al. Cyclops lesions after ACL Reconstruction: Bone-Tendon-Bone Autograft compared to Hamstring Autograft COS 2017 Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN. Sep 15, 2017.

17. Pharr Z, et al. Cyclops lesions after ACL Reconstruction: Bone-Tendon-Bone Autograft compared to Hamstring Autograft TOS 2017 Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN. Aug 26, 2017.

18. Pharr Z, et al. Pediatric Proximal Both Bone Forearm Fractures: Factors Predicting Outcome MAOA 2017 Annual Meeting, Amelia Island, FL. April 19-23, 2017.

19. Pharr Z, et al. Distal Femoral Central Physeal Arrest Fall Orthopedic Symposium. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, TX. Oct 24, 2014.

20. Rollins-Smith L, Pharr Z, et al. Quantitative sampling for Bd on frog skin. Is there a better alternative to swabbing?” Integrated Research Challenges in Environmental Biology; Amphibian Disease Meeting; Tempe, AZ, 2009.

Poster Presentations
1. Mathew M, Rider CM, Pharr ZK, et al. Urinary Retention Infrequent After Anterior THA in the Surgery Center. SOA Annual Meeting, White Sulphur Springs, WV, July 22-25, 2020

2. Pharr Z, et al. Outpatient Hip Safety in an Ambulatory Surgery Center is Independent of Approach. AAHKS Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX, Nov 7-10, 2019.

3. Pharr Z, et al. Similar Outcomes For Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Performed For Rotator Cuff Intact And Rotator Cuff Deficient Conditions: A Matched Cohort Study. American Shoulder and Elbow Society 2019 Annual Meeting, New York, NY. Oct 16-19, 2019.

4. Pharr Z, et al. Similar Outcomes For Rotator Cuff Intact And Rotator Cuff Deficient Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. International Congress of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2019 Annual Meeting, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Sep 17-20, 2019.

5. Pharr Z, et al. Does the Transfusion Rate Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Warrant Aggressive Peri-operative Blood Management?: An Indications-based Analysis International Congress of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2019 Annual Meeting, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Sep 17-20, 2019.

6. Pharr Z, et al. Does the Transfusion Rate Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Warrant Aggressive Peri-operative Blood Management?: An Indications-based Analysis Orthopedics today Hawaii 2019 Annual Meeting, Big Island, HI . Jan 13-17, 2019.

7. Pharr Z, et al Pre-operative Diagnosis Increases Blood Transfusions in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty, SOA 2018 Annual Meeting, Palms Beach, FL. July 12-14, 2018.

8. Pharr Z, et al. Cyclops lesions after ACL Reconstruction: Bone-Tendon-Bone Autograft compared to Hamstring Autograft. Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2018, Grand Hyatt Kauai, Ha. Jan 7-11, 2018

9. Pharr Z, et al. Effect of Chronic Narcotic Use on Episode of Care Outcomes Following Primary Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty MAOA 2017 Annual Meeting, Amelia Island, FL. April 19-23, 2017.

10. Pharr Z, et al. Mood Disorders Do Not Predict a More Difficult Postoperative Course Following Primary Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty MAOA 2017 Annual Meeting, Amelia Island, FL. April 19-23, 2017.

11. Wakefield D, Marcrom S, Pharr Z, et al. A Community Report: Initial Clinical Experience using the Strut Adjusted Volume Implant for Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation. ASTRO’s Annual Meeting. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX. October 18-21, 2015

12. Pharr Z, et al. Partial Breast Radiation using Strut Adjusted Volume Implant: Incidence of Acute Infection with SAVI is Potentially Lower Compared to Other Brachytherapy Devices. AOA Tennessee Chapter. Memphis, TN. February 28, 2014

13. Marcrom S, Pharr Z, et al. Partial Breast Radiation using Strut Adjusted Volume Implant: Radiation Necrosis is Associated with Dosimetric Parameters and Can Induce Biopsy. ASTRO; Atlanta, GA. September 22-25, 2013

Book Chapters
Brolin T, Pharr Z. Triceps Tendon Ruptures, Operative Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery, 4e. In process.

Invention
SafeCut Capsulotomy Blade
Safe and efficient instrumentation in Hip Arthroscopy surgery, 2024

Awards

2021 NCAA Football National Champion
University of Alabama Team Orthopaedic Coverage, 2020-2021

American Sports Medicine Institute
Top Clinical Research Award, Blind Squirrel Society, 2021

Chief Resident
Campbell Clinic Peer-selected Appointment/Recognition, 2019-2020

Molly Shumate Community Service Award
International Service Award for Medical Missions, 2017

Program Director’s Award
Top 20th Percentile on Orthopaedic In-Training Exam, 2016, 2018, 2020

Summa Cum Laude
UTHSC College of Medicine, 2015

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
UTHSC College of Medicine, 2015

Gold Humanism Honor Society
UTHSC College of Medicine, 2015

Ousley Memorial Scholarship
Merit Based Scholarship, 2013-2015

Bill and Sally Gore Scholarship
Merit Based Scholarship, 2012-2015

Imhotep Society
For significant contributions to student life UTHSC College of Medicine, 2012

Magna Cum Laude
Lipscomb University, 2010

Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy Award
2009

Atlantic Sun All-Academic Team
Lipscomb University Golf Team, 2006-2009

Memberships & Associations

• American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
• Arthroscopy Association of North America
• American Sports Medicine Fellowship Society
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Tennessee Orthopaedic Society

Team Physician

• Tennessee Titans, 2023-present
• Tennessee State University, 2023-present
• University of Tennessee Southern, 2021-present
• Columbia State Community College, 2021-present
• Maury and Marshall County High Schools, 2021-present
• University of Alabama Crimson Tide, 2020-2021
• University of West Alabama, 2020-2021
• Cordova High School, 2020-2021
• Birmingham Barons AA Baseball, 2020-2021
• WGC FedEx St. Jude Invitational PGA golf tournament, 2019
• Memphis Grizzlies, 2016-2020
• University of Memphis Tigers, 2017-2020
• Memphis Redbirds AAA Baseball, 2016-2020
• Rhodes College Sports Physicals, 2017-2020
• Harding Academy High School, 2015-2016