Orthopedic Surgeon
320 W Junipero Steet
Santa Barbara, CA
93105
Top reviews
I returned to Dr. Gallivan for a check on my left hip. I fell on the treadmill and sustained a hairline fracture. I have completed PT and hoped to get a clean bill of health. Unfortunately, the x-ray technician was out so I could Show morenot get a new x-ray; Dr. Gallivan examined my gait, my strength, asked about my PT, and said he was confident I could resume activities. I return in February for a 1-year check on my right knee replacement (done by Dr. Gallivan), and he will review x-rays of both knee and hip then. He is professional and personable; I asked him to show me on a skeletal model exactly where my fracture occurred and he readily explained exactly what I did and how it affected my balance. I recommend him highly.
My wife and I had separately scheduled appointments with Dr Gallivan on Monday, hers at 9 am and mine at 10:45. When we checked in, they said Dr Gallivan could see us together at 9! Very thoughtful and efficient. First my wife hadShow more her x-rays, then she saw Dr Gallivan while I was getting my x-rays. Perfect! And Dr Gallivan took time with each of us so that we understood our problems and asked all our questions. He is a great doctor/surgeon and the office is very well managed. Five stars!
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Dr. William Gallivan, MD?
About William R. Gallivan JR., MD
Dr. Gallivan is a board certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon. Since opening his practice in 1992, he has focused on sports medicine and joint replacement surgery. He developed a keen interest in orthopedics and sports medicine after a season ending football injury in high school. This interest led him to study at some of the most prestigious training programs available in orthopedics.
Born in Arrington, England, Dr. Gallivan is a fourth-generation surgeon. He earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. In 1987, he completed a General Surgery internship at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. He completed his orthopedic training in Philadelphia as the Chief Resident of the Total Joint Service at the Rothman Institute. Training with Dr. Richard Rothman and Dr. Robert Booth, two renowned orthopedic surgeons and implant developers, sparked Dr. Gallivan’s passion for technology fostering his advanced approach to orthopedic surgery and treatment which continues today. In 1992, Dr. Gallivan completed an Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine fellowship at The Institute for Bone and Joint Disorders in Phoenix, Az.
Dr. Gallivan returned to Santa Barbara in 1992 and started his practice. He was the first surgeon on the West Coast to use Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) to perform hip resurfacing. He also utilizes robotic navigation for the minimally invasive total hip and knee replacement surgeries he performs. With a comprehensive approach, he has developed a Rapid Recovery program for total joints. This protocol has enabled the vast majority of his patients to leave the hospital on the same day as their surgery.
Dr. Gallivan strictly adheres to the principles of focused patient care, wellbeing, and comfort. From the first to final visit, Dr. Gallivan strives to ensure that the patient’s experience is positive and successful.
Happily married, Dr. Gallivan considers family a high priority. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Karen, an R.N., and their six children. His many interests include rugby, surfing, stand up paddle boarding, martial arts, horseback riding, guitar and ukulele, and travel.
Education
Undergraduate: Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
Medical Education: Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
General Surgery Internship: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, CA
Orthopedic Surgery Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
Total Joint Services: Pennsylvania Hospital; Rothman Institute – Chief Resident Philadelphia, PA
Pediatric Orthopedics: Alfred I. duPont Institute, Wilmington, DE
Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy Fellowship: Institute for Bone and Joint Disorder, Phoenix, AZ
Past & Present Professional Affiliations
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (Board of Counselors 2001–2004)
California Orthopaedic Association (Board of Directors 1994–2004)
Arthroscopy Association of North America
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table, Board of Directors
Arthritis Foundation Regional Board of Directors
Santa Barbara Medical Society
California Medical Association
Sport/Team Affiliations
Professional
AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Consultant Since 1992
ASP Pro Surf Tour USA, Brazil, Portugal, France, Tahiti
NBA LA Clippers Training Camp Team Physician
Pro Cycling Tour de California
PRCA Pro Rodeo
PBR Pro Bull Riding
Santa Barbara Triathlon
USA Rugby – Olympic Training Camp
College/High School
UCSB Rugby Team Physician
ASU Assistant Team Physician 1992
Loyola Mary Mount Assistant Trainer 1978
Philadelphia Medical Rugby Football Club 1984-1990 – Team Physician
UCSB International Rugby Tournament 1992-2005 – Medical Director
Ironwood High School 1991 – Team Physician
Radnor High School 1989-1990 – Team Physician
Carpinteria High School – Team Physician
Hospital Affiliations
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
Goleta Valley College Hospital
Santa Yenz Cottage Hospital
Arthritis
Fractures
Hip Pain
Knee Pain
Mako Robotic Joint Replacement
Shoulder Pain
Locations (2)
Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara
320 W Junipero Steet
Santa Barbara, CA, 93105
Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara
2040 Viborg Rd.
Suite 230
Solvang, CA, 93463
More About Dr. William Gallivan, MD
Practice
Orthopedic Institute of Santa Barbara
Specialties
NPI Number
1790702777
Provider's Gender
Male
Reviews
Always a positive experience.
Great listener who worked with me to develop my treatment plan.
On time appointments, great staff
Everyone at the office was very caring. I was extremely stressed about the upcoming knee replacement. They understood how I felt being afraid of getting a spinal. Even in the hospital Dr Gallivan came to see me & see how I was doing.
Dr Galiivan is the best orthopedic person that I have ever been to, had a knee replacement 10 years ago...it's been FLAWLESS...no issues,no problems at ANY given time. Being a tile/stone mason who is really tuff on the body...says it all. HE IS THE BEST
I had to have knee reconstruction in February of 2024 and couldn’t be happier. I had the best care from Dr. Gallivan and Adam. My surgery and recovery were painless. I highly recommend Dr. Gallivan and his team.
My wife and I had separately scheduled appointments with Dr Gallivan on Monday, hers at 9 am and mine at 10:45. When we checked in, they said Dr Gallivan could see us together at 9! Very thoughtful and efficient. First my wife had her x-rays, then she saw Dr Gallivan while I was getting my x-rays. Perfect! And Dr Gallivan took time with each of us so that we understood our problems and asked all our questions. He is a great doctor/surgeon and the office is very well managed. Five stars!
Great staff, responsive to questions and easy to work with!
Everyone was wonderful, minimal wait time. All staff courteous and considerate.
Dr Galavin is the best. After hip replacement I was on the pickleball court on week 7
My first visit. Every single staff member was terrific!! Dr. Gallivan was very professional and discussed all the options. I couldn’t have had a better experience.
Always there for us.
Dr. Gallivan took considerable time to go over my condition and Correctiveoptions. I greatly appreciated his passion for providing great care.
Caring, answered all my questions and concerns
Dr. Gallivan is great but the wait time for an examination is so long. I wait nearly 1:30 hours before I could get into an examination room.
One year ago Dr. Gallivan did a complete knee replacement for me. I just had my one-year visit. The surgery and recovery have far exceeded my expectations. He conducted himself as a human being medically treating a human being -- such a rarity in my experience.
Positive experience for both my husband and myself.
Dr Gallivan and staff are excellent!
Honestly, and truthfully, I cannot say enough amazing things about Dr. Gallivan. Who is the exemplary in his field of medicine. He replaced my shoulder at 76 years of age. I have no pain and wonderful movement in my shoulder once . He’s very professional, technically brilliant, and has a great personality. I don’t know what else you’d want in a doctor. We are all very fortunate to have such an orthopedic surgeon in our area.
Very helpful.
Thorough and all options explained
Thanks dr William
Excellent care. Staff knowledgeable and organized. Dr. personal & easy to talk with. Highly recommend.
Very knowledgeable. Takes time to make sure his patients understand their options.
friendly office staff. Dr. Gallivan was cheerful and explained what might be wrong with my shoulder but would need further testing with an MRI. Second appointment was set up easy.
GREAT Dr.
As always a professional appointment with a caring and kind staff and the best orthopedic doctor in Sant Barbara!
I felt very comfortable. The doctor was very kind explained details his wife, the receptionist welcomed us very friendly.
The office staff and Doctor Gallivan were very thorough and personal. They answered my concerns and provided resources. Great experience.
The office staff and Doctor Gallivan were very thorough and personal. They answered my concerns and provided resources. Great experience.