Top reviews
My experience with Dr Gallivan and his staff at the Orthopedic Institute was beyond “Amazing”! I was pretty nervous about the whole idea of getting a knee replacement even though my mobility has been constrained for years because Show moreof this knee. To my surprise, the surgical experience was actually enjoyable (I know, that’s hard to imagine- you have to do it to get it) and Dr Gallivan’s kind and effective staff made the post op experience of recovery better than I could have predicted. Special thanks to Ana, Adrianna, Adam, Natalie, and Karen who each took care of particular questions and issues and made recovery so much less stressful. Dr Gallivan himself though, is the most amazing. Following through with his recommendation to be awake during the surgery was the best experience possible; I couldn’t believe that I was up and walking in short time after the surgery, and was able to go home! His use of robotic surgery meant that I had perfect placement of my knee joint, which has made a huge difference on my recovery in comparison to others that I’ve known who’ve had this surgery elsewhere! All along what has really impressed me about Dr Gallivan is his enthusiasm and real joy about being able to help folks like me get back to the life they love and the mobility they need to live it! I wish that I could give Dr Gallivans 10 stars… He deserves every one of them!
I am 7 weeks out from my robotic knee replacement. Dr Gallivan recommended physical therapy before the surgery as well as after and that has helped tremendously. He is continuing his recommendation for physical therapy and I doShow more the exercises almost daily. I walked with just a cane by 2 weeks and soon after was walking freely and driving and automatic. I still have some pain and swelling when I am walking or standing a lot, which I handle with ice and Tylenol however, I often forget my knee completely even though he said it would take a year to fully recover. At 86 I plan to be back on the golf course soon for at least a few holes and I feel my experience with Dr. Gallivan was very successful.
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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
Provider's Gender
Male
Reviews
Kind, knowledgeable people. You can tell they are all on the same team and really care about their patients. Pleasant experience. I felt very comfortable.
Dr Gallivan is awesome, shows concern for patients questions and answers in a practical manner. Takes his time to insure all questions are answered. Thanks
He is a fantastic Dr
Dr. Gallivan is a very caring and competent surgeon who maintains an updated practice with a caring and respectful staff.
Great
Great
I love the guy! His work is so precise. My right leg is in excellent shape; Dr. Gallivan replaced both my knee (2015) and my hip. Carol Hawkins
Very friendly staff, easy access office, doctor listened to my concerns and reviewed my X-rays in language I could understand.
Very friendly office, Dr is extremely compident
Everyone was courteous and knowledgeable.
Dr. Gallivan and his office are communicative, professional, and most importantly I have had very successful surgical outcomes. I highly recommend Dr. Gallivan.
This was the finest experience Dr. Gallivan and his staff were truly professional If I need another surgery that is the type he preforms i would use him again-no one else!! Thank you Dr.Gallivan
I thoroughly enjoyed my first meeting with Dr. William Gallivan, MD He was very thorough, and thoughtful, kind & fun. I was going to go to someone else, but changed my mind after meeting Dr. Gallivan. My guts told me he was my best choice. I have complete faith in him. Three of my other Doctors also verified that he is one of the Very Best.
Dr. Gallivan is a Gift to Humanity. He has Magic Hands, A Genius Surgeon’s Mind and A Huge Heart. I am ever so Grateful to have had Dr.Gallivan perform a total knee replacement on my Left Knee After just a few days I asked myself why did I wait so long?? Thank You Dr. Gallivan for Being The Best Orthopedic Surgeon ever. Respectfully, WAZ
Dr. Gallivan performed a knee replacement surgery for me. The outcome could not have been better. His various protocols for recovery, as well as his use of robotics during the surgery, have made this a very positive (and mostly pain free) experience. He and his whole team are professional while being friendly and caring. I’m preparing for a second knee replacement and have confidence that this will also go well. I highly recommend the Orthopedic Institute of SB.
Absolutely the best surgeon and supporting staff. Have nothing but praise for them and would highly recommend them
Dr. Gallivan listens to my concerns and takes the time to answer all my questions. He is thoughtful, patient, friendly and focused. The surgery was successful and the follow up has been thorough. I am having a second knee surgery with him soon and know it will be as successful as the first.
Wonderful Surgeon! Has operated on 8 members of my family-wow-wouldn’t go to anyone else. Karen is great too, very special family as well.
Dr Gallivan, through the years has treated everyone of my family. My daughter at 9 years old needed hip surgery 3 days before Christmas. He performed the surgery at night when we arrived. She went on to ballet, jazz and tap through High School. From rebuilding a knee from a ski accident, to bicep surgery, and horse injuries, Dr Gallivan is the best. Next up, a knee replacement. Dr Gallivan has a personnel touch. He explains, takes his time, and is always there when you need him. Laurel Daphne
Very caring Very knowledgeable, good communicator, very friendly
Dr. Gallivan just did my complex knee replacement surgery. He is not only extremely skilled but also caring and compassionate !
Very happy with Dr. Gallivan’s referral to physical therapy. Making good progress with shoulder pain without surgery in my case!!!
Dr Gallivan has been very thorough and caring. He has helped me make an important decision about which knee to do first. My surgery with him has given me a new lease on life.
I’ll always recommend you, Dr. Gallivan but I am having some pretty severe mobility issues that I’ll go over with you at my appointment on the 18th
Knee is really great. Can maneuver well. Very happy.
Caring, informed, interested and seems to enjoy what he does, Initially, looked, touched watched me walk and examined my knee, and did so subsequently as well.
Kind and efficient staff. Dr. Gallivan is the best.
Overall a very good experience Provided the options and recommendations
Dr. Gallivan always takes the time to address all your concerns. He does not rush you as many other doctors (in my experience) do. I actually look forward to seeing him getting the information I need to make an educated decision about my care.
Always a pleasure to see the Gallivan’s!!’