A medical graduate of the Kansas University Medical School, Dr. Fardon completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Missouri Medical Center.

In 2008, Dr. Fardon came to Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush from Southeastern Orthopaedics, where he led a distinguished career in clinical orthopedic medicine, spinal surgery, academic pursuit, and national leadership. He has authored numerous scientific articles, textbook chapters, and books addressing disorders related to the spine, including coeditorship of the prestigious Orthopaedic Knowledge Update for Spine II. This academic volume, published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and the North American Spine Society, is used as a core curriculum text for graduate training in spine.

In 1996 and 1997, Dr. Fardon was President of the North American Spine Society, the world's largest organization of board certified spine-care specialists. In 2000, the society awarded him with its Selby Award for Outstanding Contributions to Spine Care. Dr. Fardon participated in the North American Spine Society's Clinical Guidelines and was a faculty presenter at the American Academy of Disability Examining Physicians course on AMA Guidelines.

A True Patient Advocate

"David was an excellent clinician. Honest, ethical and a true patient advocate. He was an excellent teacher to not only the residents and fellows, but also his partners with his vast experience," said spine surgeon Dr. Edward Goldberg.

As a testament to his standing among fellow physicians, Dr. Fardon was named by his peers to "Best Doctors in America" for each of the past 14 years. He is a member of the prestigious American Orthopaedic Association, and has served on the editorial boards of five major orthopedic, spine-related journals.

"An invaluable asset to the spine section, the consummate gentlemen, educator and patient advocate."

Dr. Frank Phillips, Director, Division of Spine Surgery at Rush University Medical Center, reflected on Dr. Fardon's legacy saying, "Dr. Fardon has left an indelible mark at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. He will be remembered as a leader and teacher in the spine world as well as a passionate physician who always put his patients first. He has been a mentor to many young physicians and trainees and will be sorely missed." Dr. Kern Singh, Co-Director of the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, shared that Dr. Fardon was, "an invaluable asset to the spine section, the consummate gentlemen, educator and patient advocate."

"It has been a great honor and privilege to have Dr. Fardon at Rush for the past 10 years. Prior to Rush, Dr. Fardon had an outstanding private practice career in Knoxville, TN, and his involvement in national societies and peer-reviewed Journals was recognized as the President of North American Spine Society and a deputy editor of the Spine Journal. His teaching to residents and fellows is truly exemplary, and he is a role model as a physician and as a person. It is a great honor to call Dr. Fardon as my colleague and a friend,” shared Dr. Howard An.

"Dr. Fardon has been an exemplary teacher, role model and clinician his entire career. David's constant pursuit of excellence made him a true patient advocate. He has always treated his partners, fellows, residents, and patients with honesty, respect and ethics," said Managing Partner and sports medicine orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Cole. "His contributions to spine care are vast, including numerous publications​ and leadership positions. He ​will be truly missed in the clinic and we wish David the very best as he pursues future endeavors."