Dr. Charles H. Harr, MD, MBA

Expert Publications

• Improved lung preservation with cold air storage.
• Multiple leiomyomas of the esophagus.
• Lung mass and altered immunity. Not always what it seems.
• Intrapulmonary foreign body: sponge retained for 43 years.

Media Releases

Get to know Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Charles D. Harr, who serves patients in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dr. Harr is a highly accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon who diagnoses and treats patients at WakeMed Heart Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is also affiliated with WakeMed Raleigh Campus Andrews Center and WakeMed Cary Hospital.

The doctor’s philosophy is based upon using the most current and up to date technology and surgical techniques at a multidisciplinary level to provide outstanding care for diseases of the lungs, heart, aorta, esophagus, and arterial system. He joined WakeMed from the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charlotte Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates (of the Carolinas Healthcare System), where he spent more than 20 years performing state-of-the-art cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgical procedures.

A respected physician and hospital leader, Dr. Harr has helped develop, implement, and maintain systems and processes that have enhanced patient care, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs. Sharing his expertise with medical residents and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary medical teams for the benefit of the patient are also among his many strong suits.

In addition to being a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he is a member of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, AMSUS – the Society of Federal Health Professionals, the General Thoracic Surgical Club, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the North Carolina Surgical Association.

With over 30 years in practice, Dr. Harr is acknowledged as one of North Carolina’s foremost experts in his field. He commenced his career at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, graduating with his medical degree in 1984. He remained in Winston-Salem to undertake an internship at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in 1984. This was followed by a residency in general surgery and a fellowship in thoracic surgery at the same hospital, before he entered into private practice in 1991.

A retired Rear Admiral of the US Navy, Dr. Harr spent more than 24 years serving his country (1989-2013). He was a recognized medical expert among his military colleagues, performing general, thoracic, vascular, and trauma surgery for soldiers both on and off the battlefield. 

Relied upon for his strategic vision and medical and professional expertise, he was chosen to serve in various leadership positions for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. Awards such as the Legion of Merit, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal were all bestowed upon Dr. Harr and helped illustrate his successful military career as well as his commitment to service and professional excellence.

Dedicated to clinical excellence, the doctor is board-certified in thoracic and cardiac surgery by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, which is an American surgical organization devoted to surgery of the chest. He is also board-certified through the American Board of Surgery, an independent, non-profit organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded for the purpose of certifying surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, and knowledge.

Cardiothoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in the surgical treatment of organs inside the thorax. Cardiothoracic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgical procedures inside the thorax, which may involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. Alongside performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of these organs. 

A devotion to service, a passion for cardiac medicine, and a commitment to patient care have helped define the career of Dr. Harr. He is the recipient of Patients’ Choice Award (2015, 2016) and On-Time Doctor Award (2016). 

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