Dr. Zachary Hill is a new orthopedic surgeon at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics in Fresno. Photo contributed

Sierra Pacific Orthopedics serves as the orthopedic surgery center for Fresno State athletics. Now the center has yet another connection to the university as it welcomes Zachary Hill, former Fresno State athlete and son of former head coach Pat Hill, to its surgical staff.

Following his schooling, Hill embarked on the journey of a new physician, following jobs and internships for several years at a time before getting the opportunity to return to the Valley to serve as a team physician. Having grown up in the Central Valley, Hill said, in an Executive Profile with The Business Journal that he is honored to return to the Valley to serve its hard-working residents.

“We knew that we wanted to come back to California to lay down roots, and there isn’t a better place to do that than The Valley,” Hill said in the Executive Profile to be published by The Business Journal on Sept. 1. “When the opportunity arose to return as one of the team physicians for our alma mater, the choice was easy.

Hill will serve as a Bulldog team physician, providing advanced care for patients with bone, joint and muscle needs. He is skilled in arthroscopic shoulder, knee and hip procedures, as well as knee and hip joint replacements.

He also is trained in nonsurgical orthopedic care, including shoulder, knee and hip injections.

“We are so proud to welcome Dr. Hill to our team, and I have been honored to watch his growth as a dedicated doctor,” said Dr. Eric Hanson, board-certified sports medicine surgeon at Sierra Pacific Orthopedics. “I had the privilege of caring for Dr. Hill during his time as a Bulldog, and it is exciting to see him use his exceptional skills and determination to join in our commitment to keeping our athletes and community healthy and active.”

Hill earned his degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine before attending University of California, Davis where he trained at an internship and residency program.

Following his residency, Hill received training at Emory University in Atlanta. He also provided team coverage for Georgia Tech, the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Hawks.