Matthew Pifer, MD

Matthew Pifer, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Goleta, CA, specializing in shoulder surgery, sports medicine, and biologics. He serves patients in the Santa Barbara community and beyond, offering specific treatments for rotator cuff injuries, shoulder replacement, shoulder instability, and knee surgery. His practice also includes minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures and the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies to treat injuries. He holds a perfect 5.00 rating based on patient reviews.

Dr. Pifer’s training began at Ashland University in Ohio, where he studied chemistry and molecular and cellular biology under an NCAA football scholarship. He completed his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, earning a Masters of Science in Applied Surgical Anatomy during that time. His orthopedic surgical residency was completed at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Royal Oak, Michigan. He then underwent fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder-focused care at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. Dr. Pifer continues to seek out opportunities to learn about the latest advancements in medical technology, prioritizing the selection of the best available surgical tools to deliver results. His approach to joint pain is conservative, making every effort to find non-surgical solutions before recommending operative intervention.

The practice is located at 5333 Hollister Ave #150. It sits directly on Hollister Avenue, less than a mile from Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital. The office is also near South Patterson Avenue and the Dennis and Patty Forster memorial.

Patients consistently note that Dr. Pifer takes time with them and explains procedures in detail. One reviewer described him as an excellent doctor who was extremely thorough, while another highlighted his ability to restore shoulder function. The practice maintains office hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, closed on weekends.

Dr. Pifer combines specialized shoulder and sports medicine expertise with a thorough, patient-centered approach in the Goleta area.