Dr. David Gazzaniga resigns from California Orthopedic Specialists and moves to California Orthopaedic Specialists
Moving forward in his professional career, Dr. David Gazzaniga, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than three decades of experience in sports medicine and musculoskeletal care, has resigned from his role at California Orthopedic Specialists to join California Orthopaedic Specialists. Dr. Gazzaniga’s decision reflects a strategic professional transition that aligns with his commitment to expanding access to advanced orthopedic care and reinforcing his role as a leader in the field.
Dr. Gazzaniga built a substantial clinical and surgical reputation at California Orthopedic Specialists, where his expertise in treating complex sports-related injuries of the knee, shoulder, elbow and hip served a broad patient population in Orange County and Southern California. His tenure included leadership responsibilities and a focus on translating high-level sports medicine principles into everyday orthopedic practice for both athletes and non-athletes alike. During his time with the institute, Dr. Gazzaniga was deeply involved in patient care, as well as in coordinating care pathways for individuals with acute injuries and chronic orthopedic conditions.
The transition to California Orthopaedic Specialists marks a new chapter that underscores Dr. Gazzaniga’s forward-thinking approach to orthopedic medicine. California Orthopaedic Specialists is a regionally recognized orthopedic group that emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, standardized clinical pathways and integrated care models. By joining California Orthopaedic Specialists, Dr. Gazzaniga is positioned to further leverage his clinical acumen in sports medicine and complex orthopedic surgery while contributing to an organization that values innovation, evidence-based practice and comprehensive patient outcomes.
For patients and referring clinicians, this move offers continuity in high-quality care under Dr. Gazzaniga’s expertise while broadening the scope and reach of his practice. His board certifications and fellowship training — including advanced subspecialty training in sports medicine — continue to define a clinical practice rooted in modern, conscientious orthopedic surgery. The expanded platform at California Orthopaedic Specialists enables Dr. Gazzaniga to participate in collaborative clinical initiatives, refine surgical and non-surgical treatment protocols, and support a coordinated continuum of care for those with musculoskeletal disorders.
As Dr. Gazzaniga transitions to his new role, patients previously seen at California Orthopedic Specialists will be guided through a thoughtful transfer of care that prioritizes seamless handoffs, consistent treatment plans, and alignment with their ongoing recovery or preventive strategies. Future patients seeking specialized sports medicine care, joint preservation, or surgical intervention can expect the same rigorous standards of evaluation and individualized treatment planning that Dr. Gazzaniga is known for.
This strategic career move positions Dr. Gazzaniga to continue shaping the future of orthopedic care in California, with an emphasis on excellence, patient outcomes, and the integration of evolving surgical techniques with practical, patient-centered orthopedic medicine.
At a Glance
Dr. David Gazzaniga
- Over 25 years of experience caring for professional athletes in the NHL, NFL, MLB, and the Olympics.
- Division Chief of Sports Medicine at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute
- Board-certified with a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Sports Medicine and triple fellowship-trained
- Learn more