University of Georgia Athletics
Dr. Fred Reifsteck Named Physician of the Year By GATA
June 03, 2026 | Football, Women's Basketball, Gymnastics
UGA's Head Team Physician honored as state of Georgia's best
ATHENS, Ga. — Dr. Fred Reifsteck, III, MD, Head Team Physician for the University of Georgia, has been selected as the Jack Hughston Physician of the Year by the Georgia Athletic Trainers' Association (GATA) in recognition of his exceptional contributions to sports medicine and athlete care.
"Dr. Reifsteck has been someone we have trusted and relied on during my years as head coach and many before that," UGA head football coach Kirby Smart said. "The health of our program plays a pivotal role in our success on and off the field and it's reassuring to have someone like him in our corner. Congrats to a much deserved honor!"
Dr. Reifsteck (pronounced reef-steck) has served the University of Georgia Athletic Association since 2004 and the University Health Center since 2003, providing more than two decades of comprehensive, evidence-based care to thousands of student-athletes. Board certified in Family Medicine with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine, he is widely respected for his clinical expertise, collaborative approach, and leadership within UGA's interdisciplinary sports medicine team.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Reifsteck is a dedicated educator and mentor within UGA's MSAT program and medical training programs, recently earning the Medical College of Georgia Exemplary Teaching Award (2024-25). He is also a published scholar in sports medicine research, contributing to injury epidemiology and athlete health literature.
In 2022, Dr. Reifsteck was named SEC Team Physician of the Year, reflecting his outstanding reputation across the conference. Prior to arriving in Athens, he also served on the sports medicine staffs at Georgia State from 1995-01 and Clayton State from 1998-01.
About the GATA
The Georgia Athletic Trainers' Association is an organization committed to education of its members and enhancement of the profession of athletic training, leading to better healthcare for the population which it serves. The GATA is proudly composed of licensed athletic trainers in many different settings. Over 1000 licensed athletic trainers from professional, collegiate, and high school teams to industries, physician offices, and rehabilitation clinics all work together to promote and practice the profession of athletic training within the state of Georgia.
All GATA award winners will be recognized at the Awards & Honors Luncheon held during the GATA Annual Meeting on the University of Georgia campus June 5-7. For more information go to www.athletictraining.org.
"Dr. Reifsteck has been someone we have trusted and relied on during my years as head coach and many before that," UGA head football coach Kirby Smart said. "The health of our program plays a pivotal role in our success on and off the field and it's reassuring to have someone like him in our corner. Congrats to a much deserved honor!"
Dr. Reifsteck (pronounced reef-steck) has served the University of Georgia Athletic Association since 2004 and the University Health Center since 2003, providing more than two decades of comprehensive, evidence-based care to thousands of student-athletes. Board certified in Family Medicine with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine, he is widely respected for his clinical expertise, collaborative approach, and leadership within UGA's interdisciplinary sports medicine team.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Reifsteck is a dedicated educator and mentor within UGA's MSAT program and medical training programs, recently earning the Medical College of Georgia Exemplary Teaching Award (2024-25). He is also a published scholar in sports medicine research, contributing to injury epidemiology and athlete health literature.
In 2022, Dr. Reifsteck was named SEC Team Physician of the Year, reflecting his outstanding reputation across the conference. Prior to arriving in Athens, he also served on the sports medicine staffs at Georgia State from 1995-01 and Clayton State from 1998-01.
About the GATA
The Georgia Athletic Trainers' Association is an organization committed to education of its members and enhancement of the profession of athletic training, leading to better healthcare for the population which it serves. The GATA is proudly composed of licensed athletic trainers in many different settings. Over 1000 licensed athletic trainers from professional, collegiate, and high school teams to industries, physician offices, and rehabilitation clinics all work together to promote and practice the profession of athletic training within the state of Georgia.
All GATA award winners will be recognized at the Awards & Honors Luncheon held during the GATA Annual Meeting on the University of Georgia campus June 5-7. For more information go to www.athletictraining.org.
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