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Our Team

Our Mission

“Improve the health and wellness of the people we serve by providing high quality primary care with a positive patient experience.”

Our Story

Santa Barbara Internal Medicine Group (SBIMG) originated in 1994 with Drs. Paul Ryack, David Birken, and Gerald Svedlow. The original office was on upper State Street in Santa Barbara and the trio moved to its present location at the corner of Hollister & Patterson Avenues at the turn of the 21st century, in the year 2000.

Dr. Ryack retired in 2012 after a long and successful career in Internal Medicine. The group has since added Drs. Alex Morf and Jon Uyesaka. The quartet of Internists has now been together since 2013. The ancillary staff at SBIMG is well established and in and of itself is recognized by patients and other providers in the community for their efficiency, devotion, and cheerful demeanor. They are an integral part of SBIMG’s strength and success.

Gerald Svedlow

Dr. Gerald Svedlow

Dr. Gerald Svedlow is a Board Certified Internist and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He was born and raised in Stamford, CT, received his undergraduate college degree from Duke University, graduated “With Distinction” from The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and attained membership in Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

Dr. David Birken

Dr. David Birken

Dr. Birken provides general adult medical care, including preventative care, diagnostic evaluations, consultations, and management of illnesses and multi-system diseases. Dr Birken received his undergraduate degree from Revelle College, UC San Diego in Biology. After working for one year as a researcher for the Department of Neurology at UCLA, he attended medical school at the UCLA School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Center for Health Science at UCLA in 1994.

Dr. John Uyesaka

Dr. Jon Uyesaka is fulfilling his dream of providing medical care to his long time neighbors of the Goleta and Santa Barbara Community. Having five generations of his family calling Santa Barbara/Goleta their home, he takes special time and consideration to ensure the health of our community. He began by coming back to Santa Barbara.

Dr. Alex Morf

Dr. Alex Morf is a graduate of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital where he was Chief Resident and continues to serve as Volunteer Faculty. Dedicated to high-value, evidence based care, Dr. Morf ensures his patients are given the compassion and attention required to form a mutually trusting relationship.

Amy – Office Manager

Maggie – Front Office

Angie – Front Office

Alexis – Medical Assistant

Aracely – Medical Assistant

Carol – Medical Assistant

Julie – Medical Assistant

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