Dr. Benjamin Dirkx, DO

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Get to know Physiatrist Dr. Benjamin Dirkx, who serves patients in Santa Barbara, California.

Being a board-certified physiatrist, Dr. Dirkx specializes in treating all musculoskeletal conditions ranging from common knee issues to chronic back pain. He is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California.

Owned and operated by Cottage Health System, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is a 519-bed acute care teaching hospital and trauma center, the largest of its kind between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. The hospital was founded in 1888 by 50 women determined to provide a healthcare facility for the growing community of Santa Barbara.

Following the completion of his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010, Dr. Dirkx went on to serve his residency in physical medicine & rehabilitation at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak.

Before long, the doctor became board-certified through the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, which was established in 1947 as the certifying body for the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation under the American Board of Medical Specialties. 

Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry and physiatrics, is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Physiatrists treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. 

Among his numerous accolades, Dr. Dirkx is the recipient of Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020), On-Time Doctor Award (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020), and Patients’ Choice Award (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020).

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