Dr. Christian Hernández en quirófano
Surgical Oncologist · San José, Costa Rica

Cancer surgery with the precision and warmth your journey deserves.

Specializing in thyroid, parathyroid, breast, head, neck and skin cancer. Expert, human care at every step — before, during and after surgery.

5.0
★★★★★
463 verified reviews
on HuliHealth
+15 years · Trained at Sloan Kettering · Barcelona · Buenos Aires
Operates at La Católica · Coordinator at Calderón Guardia
Where he operates
La Católica International HospitalCentauro Building, 3rd Floor · Office #320
Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia HospitalCoordinator of Head & Neck Surgery
We work with your insurance
ASSA
BMI
INS
Panamerican Life Insurance
Medismart
How we work together

From first consultation to recovery.

A clear, supported process at every stage — so you never face your diagnosis alone.

1

Consultation & diagnosis

I listen to your case, review your studies and explain your diagnosis clearly — your options and your risks.

2

Tailored surgical plan

I design the operation according to the type and extent of your disease, choosing the safest technique for your case.

3

Surgery with technology

I operate with neuromonitoring and radioguided surgery, in first-rate hospitals, for maximum precision and safety.

4

Support & recovery

I stay close before, during and after — with follow-up and answers to your questions on WhatsApp.

Surgical technology

Precision that makes the difference.

State-of-the-art tools that increase safety, reduce risk and improve your recovery.

01

Intraoperative neuromonitoring

Monitoring of the laryngeal and facial nerves during surgery to protect your voice and expressions, reducing the risk of sequelae.

02

Radioguided surgery

Radiotracers that locate recurrent lesions with millimetric precision, even in scarred areas or altered anatomy.

03

Radiofrequency ablation

An outpatient alternative for selected benign thyroid nodules — no scar, no general anesthesia, fast recovery.

Training & credentials

Trained at the world's most demanding cancer centers.

More than 15 years treating complex cancers, with training on three continents and academic leadership in Costa Rica.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
New York · USA
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Global Online Fellowship in Head & Neck Surgery and Oncology — a world-reference cancer center.
Oct 2015 — 2016
School of Medicine, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona
Barcelona · Spain
Hospital Clínic · Barcelona
Clinical stay in reconstructive surgery of the head, neck and breast.
Oct 2012 — Mar 2013
Barceloneta, Barcelona
Barcelona · Spain
Hospital del Mar · Barcelona
Rotation in Endocrine Surgery.
Mar 2013
Casa Rosada, Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires · Argentina
Instituto Ángel H. Roffo
Fellow in Head & Neck Surgical Oncology — University of Buenos Aires.
Sep 2011 — Sep 2012
Puente de la Mujer, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires · Argentina
Instituto Alexander Fleming
Rotation in the Skin Cancer Unit.
Feb — Mar 2012
Historic building, Universitat de Barcelona
Barcelona · Spain
Universitat de Barcelona
Diploma in Breast Pathology (Senology).
Nov 2010 — Sep 2011
Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio, UCR
San José · Costa Rica
Universidad de Costa Rica
Specialty in Surgical Oncology and General Surgery.
2004 — 2010
Vice President of the Costa Rican Association of Head & Neck Oncology · Faculty at the UCR School of Medicine and Surgical Oncology Postgraduate Program.
My approach

My work goes beyond removing a tumor.

I walk with my patients through one of the most challenging processes of their lives. Every person receives personalized, clear and human care.

01

Listen carefully

Every patient deserves time to be understood. I make sure you understand your diagnosis, your options and your risks before any procedure.

02

Operate with precision

I work with state-of-the-art technology —intraoperative neuromonitoring and radioguided surgery— for greater safety and better surgical outcomes.

03

Support with empathy

I am present not only in the operating room, but through the emotional process you go through. Surgery is trust, respect and presence.

What patients say
5.0
★★★★★
463 verified reviews on HuliHealth
+ 5.0 on Google · 51 reviews
See on Huli Google reviews
★★★★★

"I am deeply grateful to Dr. Christian and his team for such warm, human care. From day one he showed empathy and genuine dedication to his patients."

Verified patient· HuliHealth
★★★★★

"An excellent professional: attentive, warm, respectful. He explains in detail the process you are going through. You leave the office feeling much more at ease."

Verified patient· HuliHealth
★★★★★

"From the start you can tell he loves what he does — he clears up every doubt and explains things very well. An excellent surgeon, him and his team. Highly recommended."

Michael Matamoros· Google
★★★★★

"A doctor with true vocation. Very human and kind. He made sure we understood the process, unhurried and with great clarity."

Verified patient· HuliHealth
★★★★★

"Wonderful treatment, patient-level communication, human warmth, respect for older adults — 15 out of 10. Dr. Hernández exceeded expectations."

Carlos Orozco· Google
Frequently asked questions

Before your visit.

Answers to the most common questions. If yours is not here, message me directly.

Second opinion

Already have a diagnosis? A second opinion brings clarity.

Having another specialist review your case is a healthy, common practice in oncology. It can confirm the proposed plan or open alternatives — so you decide with greater peace of mind.

Request a second opinion
Where does Dr. Hernández practice?
At La Católica International Hospital — Centauro Building, 3rd Floor, Office #320, San José. He also coordinates the Head & Neck Surgery service at Calderón Guardia Hospital.
Do you work with medical insurance?
Yes. He sees patients with ASSA, BMI, INS, Panamerican Life and Medismart. If your insurer is not on the list, message me on WhatsApp and we will check.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book online through HuliHealth, message us on WhatsApp at +506 8345-4555, or email info@drhernandezcr.com. WhatsApp is the fastest.
What should I bring to the first consultation?
Any previous studies related to your case: ultrasounds, biopsies, lab tests, reports from other physicians. With that information the evaluation is more complete from day one.
Can I request a second opinion on an existing diagnosis?
Of course. A second opinion is a common, healthy practice in oncology — your case and studies are reviewed to confirm the plan or consider alternatives. Bring your previous studies and reports to the consultation.
Are there alternatives to surgery for benign thyroid nodules?
In selected cases, yes. Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure that shrinks benign nodules without surgery, without a scar and without general anesthesia. An individual evaluation determines whether you are a candidate.
Contact & location

Here to serve you.

Book your consultation.

Message me directly or book online. I answer your questions before, during and after your process.

Hospital La Católica
Centauro Building, 3rd Floor
Office #320 · San José