About
Dr. Sylvia Rivera is a board-certified endocrinologist who has served the Santa Barbara community since 2016. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised in Florida, she earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida before completing her medical degree at New York University School of Medicine in 2010. She trained in general surgery at UCSF and then completed her internal medicine residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in 2014. Her fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism followed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she trained through 2016. She holds board certification in both Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism through the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Rivera's path to endocrinology has personal roots. Her father has managed diabetes since his 40s, and her mother received a diagnosis of autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Watching her parents navigate those diagnoses shaped her commitment to guiding patients through complex endocrine conditions with both clinical depth and genuine support. She is passionate about diabetes management across all types, thyroid disease, reproductive endocrinology, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular risk factors including lipoprotein(a). She takes an evidence-based approach to every patient, pairing precise diagnostics with education tailored to each individual's needs.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Florida
Medical School
New York University School of Medicine (2010)
Residency
General Surgery, UCSF (2011); Internal Medicine, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (2014)
Fellowship
Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2016)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Rivera right for?
Dr. Rivera is a strong fit for adults managing chronic endocrine conditions such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes, thyroid disease, or osteoporosis. Patients navigating PCOS, menopause, or low testosterone benefit from her reproductive endocrinology expertise. She also works well with patients managing metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or elevated cardiovascular risk factors like lipoprotein(a). Anyone who wants longer appointments, direct physician access, and an evidence-based approach to hormone health will feel at home in her practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Rivera treats a broad range of endocrine conditions. These include type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, PCOS, menopause, low testosterone, adrenal disease, pituitary disease, obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
Yes. Dr. Rivera holds board certification in both Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism through the American Board of Internal Medicine. She completed her endocrinology fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2016.
Dr. Rivera earned her medical degree at New York University School of Medicine in 2010. She completed a general surgery residency at UCSF and an internal medicine residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. She then completed her fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Yes. Dr. Rivera provides continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump management as part of ongoing patient care. Members on either the Momentum or Foundations plan receive device management support.
Yes. Dr. Rivera performs in-office thyroid ultrasounds and complete diagnostic neck ultrasounds. These evaluate the thyroid gland and surrounding structures, including the cervical lymph nodes, when clinically indicated.
Dr. Rivera takes an evidence-based, science-backed approach to endocrinology. She prioritizes education alongside treatment, helping patients understand the root causes of their conditions. She views her role as both a clinical expert and an advocate for patients navigating chronic endocrine diagnoses.
Yes. Dr. Rivera sees patients with gestational diabetes and those managing pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy. Diabetes in pregnancy is one of her core clinical focus areas.
Dr. Rivera has practiced in Santa Barbara since 2016, when she returned to the area after completing her fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has served the local community continuously since then.
Doctor profile last updated August 17, 2026