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Michael D. Alvarado
4.9 out of 5 (161)
Michael D. Alvarado

Michael D. Alvarado, MD

Breast Surgical Oncology | Cutaneous (Skin) Surgical Oncology

Breast Care Center
1825 Fourth St., Third Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94158
+1 more location
(415) 353-7070
4.9 out of 5 (161)
Virtual visits available
4.9 out of 5 (161)
Virtual visits available
Breast Care Center
1825 Fourth St., Third Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94158
+1 more location
(415) 353-7070

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.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Surgery, Surgery, 2005

  • Fellowships

    Moffitt Cancer Center, Surgical Oncology, 2006

  • Residencies

    Dartmouth General Hospital, General Surgery, 2004

  • Internship

    Dartmouth General Hospital, General Surgery, 1999

  • Degree

    Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1998

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
    161 Ratings
    About our process
    May 22, 2025
    Dr. Alvarado is one of those rare physicians who practices patient-centered care & not "medicine by algorithm"/"one size fits all" demonstrated by other UCSF health care professions I have experienced. He knows the patient's history, personally reviews images & reports, listens to the patients concerns & personal goals, and considers the current literature to find the best options for treatment.
    May 06, 2025
    Always friendly and flexible with letting me decide my treatment options
    Apr 26, 2025
    Always caring
    Apr 23, 2025
    Personable, professional, on time, caring, interested, and just plain lovely.
    Apr 02, 2025
    I love a sympathetic and professional doctor I like him very welcoming and made me comfortable
    Mar 31, 2025
    In the go home hand out there were NO wound care instructions!
    Mar 29, 2025
    My experience UCSF Dr's are a step above any other medical team I have encountered by far!
    Feb 24, 2025
    Dr Alvarado was intelligent, compassionate and thoughtful.
    Jan 28, 2025
    Everyone I encountered was terrific!
    Jan 07, 2025
    Excellent physician with outstanding communication skills and who demonstrates compassion.
    Jan 04, 2025
    An exceptional person, and doctor all the way through from beginning to end Very impressed and felt well informed and well cared for and the work performed seems excellent as a layperson
    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
    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 24, 2024
    Very professional from start to finish.
    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.
    Jul 06, 2024
    Outstanding, couldn't ask for better. Thoughtful, well prepared with recommendations. Went above and beyond.
    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!

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