Education and Experience

Dr. DeFranco is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He is a graduate of St. Ignatius High School, Fordham University (Cum Laude, B.S., Chemistry; Phi Beta Kappa), and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He completed an Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. Dr. DeFranco then received specialty training in shoulder surgery and sports medicine at several premier fellowships in the United States and Europe: (1) Sports Medicine Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center; (2) Harvard Shoulder & Elbow Surgery Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital; (3) European Shoulder Surgery Fellowship in France and Switzerland. Dr. DeFranco is board certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. He has over 15 years of experience treating shoulder disorders and sports injuries.

He is regarded as a dedicated orthopedic educator. Dr. DeFranco is a former clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and newspaper articles. He is the author of Surviving a Season: Essential Advice for Young Athletes, Coaches, and Parents on Staying Healthy and Avoiding Sports Injuries. He created and implemented the national Protect Your Bones and Joints Program, the radio show Sports Injury Forum, and the Sports Concussion Clinic for young athletes.

Dr. DeFranco has served as a team doctor for many professional, collegiate, and high school athletic teams including the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Steel, and Chicago Bandits. Dr. DeFranco’s personal experience as an athlete includes competing in Ironman Triathlon events and New York City Marathons. He enjoys basketball, cycling, golf, running, swimming, tennis, and weightlifting.

 

EDUCATION

Undergraduate School

Harvard Shoulder & Elbow Surgery Fellowship

European Shoulder Surgery Fellowship

 

TEAM PHYSICIAN EXPERIENCE

Professional

Chicago Bulls
Chicago White Sox
Chicago Steel
Chicago Bandits
AIBA World Boxing Championships
Florida Boxing & Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

College

Nova Southeastern University
DePaul University

High School

St. Edward High School
Chicago Public Schools
New York City Public Schools
Whiteside County (Illinois) Public Schools

NATIONAL EDUCATOR

Protect Your Bones & Joints Program
Surviving a Season: Essential Advice for Young Athletes, Coaches, and Parents on Staying Healthy and Avoiding Sports Injuries
Sports Injury Forum Radio Show

PERSONAL ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE

Ironman Triathlon
New York City Marathons
Basketball, Cycling, Golf, Running, Swimming, Tennis, Weightlifting