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
    190 Ratings
    About our process
    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!!!
    Jan 26, 2023
    Dr Alvarado was amazing. This was so informational and helpful. I am extremely grateful
    Jan 17, 2023
    Dr. Avarado is an incredible caring physician that stay abreast of needs and is on top of all procedures in his field. So thankful for him.
    Jan 14, 2023
    Profesional bueno
    Jan 13, 2023
    So far Iam very satisfied with Dr Alvarado
    Oct 09, 2022
    Dr Alvarado has been kind, compassionate, and informative-a perfect fit for my needs
    Sep 01, 2022
    They are very courteous and nice people and friendly
    Aug 27, 2022
    Doctor answered all questions and concerns! He was extremely professional and polite! He put my mind at ease in regards to my open incision!

    Selected research

    Decorative Caduceus

    Intraoperative Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Breast-Cons...

    Local tumor control is defined as no recurrent tumor in the ipsilateral breast. Patients will be regularly monitored as per the individual center's policy provided this meets the minimum trial criteria for follow-up with physical ...

    Recruiting

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