Michael D. Alvarado

MD MS

Breast cancer surgeon
Melanoma surgeon
Former semipro cyclist, current food and wine enthusiast

Dr. Michael Alvarado is a cancer surgeon who cares for patients with breast cancer and melanoma at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center at Mount Zion.

In his research, Alvarado conducts trials of radiation therapy for breast cancer. He also studies blood-based and molecular markers with the goal of improving breast cancer screening.

Alvarado earned a master's degree in chemistry at the University of Arizona and a medical degree at Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine. After completing a residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, he completed a surgical oncology fellowship at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute at the University of South Florida.

  • Education

    Dartmouth Medical School, 1998

  • Residencies

    Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Surgery, 1999

  • Fellowships

    H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Surgical Oncology, 2006

  • Board Certifications

    Surgery, American Board of Surgery

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Treatments for melanoma and breast cancer are rapidly evolving, and I believe my patients deserve individualized, precision medicine incorporating shared decision-making.

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    185 Ratings
    About our process
    Dec 15, 2024
    I'm ALWAYS treated with respect and never undermined when I ask (dumb) questions..respected as a person in all situations, and I've had plenty.
    Nov 18, 2024
    Great telehealth experience
    Nov 16, 2024
    I am very pleased with the care I received from Dr. Alvarado and his team.
    Nov 12, 2024
    Dr Alvarado is not only an excellent surgeon but one who treats you like a person, listens to one's concerns and considers all aspects of the patients perspective and other factors rather than just going with the "standard' protocol
    Oct 26, 2024
    Thank you for everything
    Oct 17, 2024
    He answered all my questions and refer me to Medical Oncologist who can explain more regarding my concerns.
    Oct 02, 2024
    Dr. Alvarado is exceptional. He makes me feel like I matter.
    Aug 28, 2024
    Very good experience.
    Aug 24, 2024
    Very professional from start to finish.
    Aug 24, 2024
    Dr. Alvaredo answered all my questions and I appreciate his time explaining my treatment plan. He's very easy to talk to. I feel comfortable to have him as my surgeon for the upcoming surgery. Although I am very scared to go under the knife, I trust I will be fine afterward.
    Aug 01, 2024
    Dr. Alvardo was amazing. He brought in Dr. Piper during our visit to help me understand all my treatment options. We waited an hour but it was well worth it because I felt very heard and well taken care of.
    Jun 11, 2024
    Dr Alvarado is outstanding! He was caring and thorough and thoughtful and professional. I am extremely thankful I have him as a doctor.
    Apr 11, 2024
    Dr. Alvarado is a great physician, very caring and thoughtful. He understood what needed to be arranged very well and took care of my concerns and wishes.
    Mar 30, 2024
    Dr Michael Alvarado is amazing in every way I am so happy that I am able to be treated by him and I owe everything to him. I don't even know how to say thank you.
    Mar 30, 2024
    Dr. Michael Alvarado, and Michael Buljan are my heroes and living angels
    Mar 19, 2024
    Dr Alvarado was truly amazing!
    Mar 19, 2024
    The doctor was very knowledgeable and kind. Definitely eased my nerves.
    Jan 07, 2024
    Dr Alvarado was very kind. He listened and answered questions clearly. I feel he would take good care of me if needed.
    Dec 12, 2023
    Dr Alvarado was excellent
    Dec 07, 2023
    Dr Alvarado always treats me above & beyond my expectations, professionally, compassionate, empathetic & he so amazingly very bright and smart.
    Dec 02, 2023
    I liked Dr. Alvarado. He made talking to him easy and relaxed
    Nov 22, 2023
    Experience allows him the benefit of understanding his patients caring and treatment
    Oct 24, 2023
    He listened to my concerns and expressed an understanding of my fears. He seemed to genuinely care about my situation.
    Oct 21, 2023
    Good listener, did not use any unessary medical terms.
    Sep 30, 2023
    What a phenomenon Surgical Oncologist. I've been in Healthcare since 1982, and have never experienced such a kind, compassionate, thorough, humble MD.
    Aug 18, 2023
    Dr Alvarado was fantastic! Very impressed!
    Aug 10, 2023
    Surgeon was great. Anesthesiologist was incommunicative.
    Aug 07, 2023
    It's early in the process but Dr. Alvarado was very informative and answered my questions. I had a concern about an extra procedure and he listened and discussed options with me
    Jul 19, 2023
    Two times that we were there for an appointment with Dr. Alvarado he came to see us very very very late twice more than two hours late. We had to wait for a long long long time and I don't think that is very professional and that should not happens l
    Jul 12, 2023
    A very human doctor who gives peace of mind and security
    Jul 07, 2023
    I can only say, I feel I was in good hands..the best!
    Jul 06, 2023
    This was an initial consult
    Jul 05, 2023
    What, Who ? Is a care provider ? If a doctor please refer as doctor. Thank you
    Jun 13, 2023
    Such a brilliant team! UCSF's holistic approach is to be supremely lauded! The sheer size resembles a Disneyland of labyrinth magnitude! Personnel cheerfully navigate visitors with a calm demeanor! We felt so embraced with love!
    Jun 03, 2023
    Dr Alvarado is exceptional, super caring, clear, explained options to me. I felt very cared for and safe and will stay in touch with him. Very compassionate, clear and positive experience during a very difficult time for me. Thank you Dr Alvarado.
    May 04, 2023
    Wow- Dr Alvarado is the ultimate educator and so relateable. I feel like he guided me to best possible decisions for care and treatment. Calm, gentle, personable, not rushed. Just impressive care. I also feel like my care is based on most current research. I fell over backwards into luck when I got Dr Alvarado as my surgeon.
    Mar 19, 2023
    Dr. Alverado is obviously an expert in his area. His expertise was evident as he responded to my various queries. He is also an amazing human being - compassionate, helpful and a great listener. I am fortunate I had Dr. Alverado as my physician that day!!!

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