Dr. Fred Reifsteck, III, MD, has been named the Jack Hughston Physician of the Year by the Georgia Athletic Trainers' Association (GATA), an honor that highlights his two‑decade contribution to University of Georgia athletics.
Since 2004 he has served as the head team physician for the university’s athletic association, and since 2003 he has also provided care at the University Health Center, overseeing the health of thousands of student‑athletes.
University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart praised Dr. Reifsteck, calling him “trustworthy and reliable” and crediting him with keeping the program’s athletes in peak condition.
Board‑certified in family medicine with a Certificate of Added Qualification in sports medicine, Dr. Reifsteck blends clinical expertise with a collaborative leadership style that defines the interdisciplinary sports medicine team at UGA.
Beyond clinical duties, he is a dedicated educator and mentor, recently earning the Medical College of Georgia’s Exemplary Teaching Award for the 2024‑25 academic year and guiding students in the MSAT program.
His scholarly work on injury epidemiology and athlete health has been published in leading sports medicine literature, contributing to the broader understanding of preventive care.
Prior to his UGA appointment, Dr. Reifsteck honed his skills on the medical staffs of Georgia State and Clayton State, building a foundation that prepared him for the SEC’s demands.
Georgia Athletic Trainers' Association
GATA represents more than 1,000 licensed athletic trainers across diverse settings and is committed to the education of its members and the enhancement of the athletic training profession. All award recipients will be recognized at an Awards & Honors Luncheon held during the GATA Annual Meeting on the University of Georgia campus from June 5‑7.