The people who keep Georgia’s athletes healthy don’t get the spotlight often, but one of the most important just earned some well-deserved recognition.
Dr. Fred Reifsteck III, MD, the University of Georgia’s Head Team Physician, has been named the Jack Hughston Physician of the Year by the Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association (GATA), honoring his contributions to sports medicine and athlete care across the state.
Kirby Smart didn’t hesitate to sing his praises. “Dr. Reifsteck has been someone we have trusted and relied on during my years as head coach and many before that,” the Bulldogs’ head coach 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!”
Reifsteck (pronounced reef-steck) has been a fixture in Athens for two decades. He’s served the UGA Athletic Association since 2004 and the University Health Center since 2003, delivering evidence-based care to thousands of student-athletes over that stretch. Board certified in Family Medicine with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine, he’s known for his clinical expertise and his collaborative approach within Georgia’s sports medicine team.
His work goes well beyond game days. Reifsteck is an educator and mentor in UGA’s MSAT program and medical training programs, and he recently picked up the Medical College of Georgia Exemplary Teaching Award for 2024-25. He’s also a published researcher whose work has contributed to the literature on injury epidemiology and athlete health.
This isn’t his first bit of hardware, either. He was named SEC Team Physician of the Year in 2022, a nod to his reputation across the conference. Before arriving at Georgia, he spent time on the sports medicine staffs at Georgia State (1995-2001) and Clayton State (1998-2001).
GATA will recognize all of its award winners at the Awards & Honors Luncheon during the organization’s annual meeting on the UGA campus, held June 5-7.
