Vaqueros name Dr. Matthew Pifer as football team doctor

Dr. Matthew Pifer is the new team doctor for SBCC football, Athletic Director Rocco Constantino announced on Friday. He replaces Dr. Victor Tacconelli, who recently retired after 37 years as the team doctor.

Pifer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon serving patients in Santa Barbara and beyond. Dr. Pifer brings a wealth of training and experience to his practice and has earned a reputation for excellence in the region. He specializes in Shoulder, Sports Medicine and Biologic therapies.

"Being a former college football player and lifelong athlete of numerous sports, I love being around athletes," Pifer said."I think it really helps me when I am caring for injured players.

"During their treatment and recovery, it helps because in addition to the medical side of healing, I understand mentally what they are going through from an athlete and competitor's perspective and help them get through it."

A lifelong learner, Dr. Pifer began his post-secondary education at Ashland University in Ohio. He studied chemistry and molecular and cellular biology under an NCAA football scholarship. Dr. Pifer started all four years and is No. 5 on the school's all-time scoring list as a kicker with 249 points. He's also second in career field goals with 44. He was a two-time all-conference player and was the National Div. 2 Player of the Week in November, 2000.

Dr. Pifer has conducted physicals for all SBCC sports since 2016 and filled in as the football team doctor in 2019.

"We are very lucky to have Dr. Pifer on board as our new team doctor," said Constantino. "I had the chance to interview him about his work and about athletics and came away very impressed. He has already shown tremendous enthusiasm about being part of the Vaqueros family.

"Our student-athletes are really going to be the ones who benefit from this partnership and that is what is most important. I look forward to standing on the sidelines with Dr. Pifer as soon as we are able to play again."

Dr. Pifer completed his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. During medical school, he also completed a Masters of Science in Applied Surgical Anatomy. Orthopedic surgical residency at Oakland University, William Beaumont School of Medicine in Royal Oak, Mich., followed. Dr. Pifer completed fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and focused on the shoulder at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego.

Dr. Pifer on his goals for SBCC football and all Vaquero sports: "To keep the athletes in the best condition possible to be competitive. When they are injured, to use the most advanced modern medical treatment to aid them on the path of healing to get back to competing safely."

In an effort to add to his skill set, Dr. Pifer continues to seek out opportunities to learn about the latest advancements in medical technology. A great deal of energy goes into choosing the best available surgical tools and technology to deliver outstanding results.

His practice not only includes the use of cutting edge surgical treatments but also the use of biologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies to treat injuries and promote healing.

Among Dr. Pifer's professional achievements are numerous awards, including designation as a Rising Star in Super Doctors Magazine. He has also authored multiple scientific papers, book chapters, and articles focused on shoulder and sports injuries or other orthopedic subjects.

When not working with patients in his private practice, Dr. Pifer can be found enjoying time with his family outdoors. His interests include road and mountain biking, craft beer, golf, movies, and fitness.