Our doctors
There is always a doctor here
A physician-owned practice, and the doctors here have looked after Santa Barbara families for decades. You are seen by one of them.
What physician-led means for you
- A doctor is on site every hour we are open, and your examination, diagnosis and treatment plan come from a licensed physician.
- Your X-ray is read on site by the doctor treating you, then over-read by a radiologist for quality.
- The practice has been physician-owned since Dr. Meller opened it in 1983. It has never been run by a chain.
Founder
William Meller, MD
Internal Medicine & Urgent Care
Dr. Meller came to Santa Barbara in 1967, graduated from UCSB in 1977, earned his MD at Georgetown, and trained at Cottage Hospital. During his residency he saw how long and how expensive an emergency room visit was for problems that did not need one — and in 1983 opened the first MedCenter, among the earliest urgent care centers in the country. A board-certified internist, he also teaches Evolutionary Medicine at UCSB's College of Creative Studies.
Co-founder
R. L. Huffard, MD
Internal Medicine
R. Lansing Huffard — Lans — went to medical school at the University of Miami and completed his residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and has practised with The MedCenter for more than forty years. He enjoys hiking and biking in his free time.
- Photo coming soon
Physician
Jeffrey Barigian, MD
Urgent Care
Dr. Barigian sees patients at The MedCenter on upper State Street. A full biography is coming soon.
- Photo coming soon
Physician
Jesus Fandino, MD
Urgent Care
Dr. Fandino sees patients at The MedCenter on upper State Street. A full biography is coming soon.
Se habla español
Our front desk and our doctors see patients in Spanish. Just ask — we will make sure you are understood.
Feeling unwell? Come in.
Walk in during opening hours, or call and we will find you a time today. No referral needed either way.