Orthopedic Surgeon
320 W Junipero Steet
Santa Barbara, CA
93105
Top reviews
I am very impressed with Dr. Gallivan's expertise in performing my total hip replacement on 1/31/2025. I am coming up in a couple of day's on bejng 4 weeks from my surgery with complete satisfaction and admiration of Dr Galivan anShow mored his very capable staff in both of office locations in Santa Barbara and Solvang. He demonstrates his concern for his patient both pre-op and post-op. I plan to return in June for a full knee replacement performed by Dr.Gallivan and assisted by his caring and well trained staff. staff. Thank you and Gkd bless, Loric Labourot A well cared patient of the Santa Barbara orthopedic institute. Amen
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
NPI Number
1790702777
Reviews
We feel very fortunate to be able to receive such kind and caring professional Medical help from Dr. Gallivan. He is amazing and we are grateful to be patient Lois Abbott and John Jacobs.
I was grateful that Dr Gallivan considered issues besides my knee in making a plan for treatment. I will eventually need surgery, but in the meantime am addressing other medical issues for better overall outcomes.
I’m never leaving! Always the best experience. Awesome doctor and great staff. Super friendly always best of care.
Exelent service thank you thank you
I had a very good and positive experience with Dr. Galavan He speaks clearly, and I was able to understand what he was saying when he explained what was wrong with my shoulder My previous experience with his treatment of my other shoulder was wonderful, and that was 16 years ago
The 5 stars tells it all. Entire staff & experience was very professional & they made me feel special at every level including post surgery follow up. Couldn’t be happier!
Got all the information I needed to make an informed
After more than 10 years of knee pain and the lost of mobility, Dr Gallivan gave me my life back. He told me after surgery that I would like my new knee and I truly do. I walked out of the hospital with less pain than when I walked in the morning of the surgery. Thank you Dr.Gallivan and thanks to your staff.
Dr Gallivan is a wonderful Dr. I’m about to schedule my second knee replacement with him. He is attentive and caring which makes me feel very confident and comfortable. I would definitely recommend him as an incredible surgeon. His staff is also knowledgeable and caring.
Dr. Gallivan is the best: Experienced, personable and cutting edge. Thanks for keeping me very active, Dr. G!
Wait time was excessive but I really like Dr, Gallivan
Dr Galvan answered all of my questions did not make me feel rushed i was very satisfied with the bisit
He’s simply the best!!
I gained so much valuable information to help me with my decision to move forward with my knee replacement. Dr. Gallivan is extremely welcoming and reassuring.
Very caring, and listening to the patient’s concerns
Friendly and Professional staff….Dr. Gallivan made sure I understood my issue and gave me good options to consider!
Amazing called for immediate to be seen DR Gallivan called saying come now won't happen here went so worried after hearing another doctor Dr gallivan says I need to see the images from the mri then says nothing to worry about thank you for making relax and keep my life easier
Dr. Gallivan has been my doctor for 20+ years. I did physical therapy for a knee problem then injections. I finally had very successful knee surgery 1 1/2 years. I appreciate his compassionate care and his conservative treatment, not suggesting surgery for the first treatment which not needed for over 20 years. He is an excellent surgeon.
Very focused and helpful.
Very helpful and concerned
Great
Staff seems very competent and all were very friendly. I feel like Dr. Gallivan and I connected very well and am looking forward to working with him and his team. As I mentioned to his scheduler, I would really like to have surgery in early May as my son is graduating from his Fellowship in June in Atlanta and I would like to make that trip. Thank you Dr. Gallivan and Team!
I am very impressed with Dr. Gallivan's expertise in performing my total hip replacement on 1/31/2025. I am coming up in a couple of day's on bejng 4 weeks from my surgery with complete satisfaction and admiration of Dr Galivan and his very capable staff in both of office locations in Santa Barbara and Solvang. He demonstrates his concern for his patient both pre-op and post-op. I plan to return in June for a full knee replacement performed by Dr.Gallivan and assisted by his caring and well trained staff. staff. Thank you and Gkd bless, Loric Labourot A well cared patient of the Santa Barbara orthopedic institute. Amen
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!