About Us
Dedicated physicians and staff committed to purpose-driven medicine for the Lake Chapala expat community.
Certifications
- ✓ AAFP Member (2012–Present)
- ✓ ECFMG Certified
- ✓ ISSCA Certified
- ✓ Certified Medical & Legal Interpreter
- ✓ Certified in Aesthetic Medicine (US, 2008)
Dr. Santiago Hernández, M.D.
Dr. Hernández considers himself a native of Chicago, having grown up there since age 2 when his family emigrated from Michoacan, Mexico. He attended Indiana University (B.A. in Spanish and Biology). Having lived in the Chicagoland area for more than 30 years, he is a unique and effective communicator in both English and Spanish.
His US post-graduate training makes him exceptionally familiar with US healthcare standards. He received medical training in both Mexico and the US — no language or cultural barriers exist. As an expat himself, he deeply understands the needs of the American and Canadian expat community of Jalisco.
Chapala Med is affiliated with Hospital Country 2000 in Guadalajara. Dr. Hernández is an active member of the Rotary Club of Ajijic since 2013 (Past President) and provides free healthcare to the Tepehua community and 105 students in the Pathways School Sponsorship Program.
Training & Credentials
B.A. Spanish and Biology, Premedical Studies — Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Médico Cirujano — Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
Mexican Licensure — Título and Cédula Profesional
Certified Medical and Legal Interpreter — Joint Commission
ECFMG Certification
Medispa Physician — Steiner Leisure, luxury cruise liner. Certified in Botox and Dermal Fillers by Dr. Brad Herman at Miami Plastic Surgery
Family Medicine Externship — Aurora Medical Clinic, Aurora, IL
Family Medicine Externship — Mannheim Medical, Franklin Park, IL
AAFP Member (American Academy of Family Physicians)
Certifications & Partnerships
ISSCA Certified
International Society for Stem Cell Application
Dr. Hernández is certified by the globally recognized ISSCA, ensuring the highest standards in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine protocols.
CRYOVIDA Partner
Latin America's Largest Stem Cell Lab
Our partnership with CRYOVIDA gives patients access to cutting-edge cellular therapies through Latin America's most advanced stem cell laboratory.
University of Chicago Medicine
Second Opinion Referral Pathway
Chapala Med has a remote consultation and second opinion referral pathway with UCM — an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and national leader in stem cell transplant, CAR T-cell therapy, and robotic surgery.
University of Chicago Medicine Referral Pathway
Chapala Med offers a remote consultation and second opinion referral pathway with University of Chicago Medicine, giving our patients access to one of the nation's leading academic medical centers for complex cases.
NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
National leader in stem cell transplant — largest program in Chicago
200+ years combined expertise, 170+ transplants per year
First and only CAR T-cell treatment center in Illinois
World leader in transplantation — 2,500+ kidney, 1,600+ liver, 400+ heart
Robotic Surgery Program
Our Medical Team
Dedicated specialists committed to comprehensive, compassionate care
Dr. Marco González Barba
Medical Services Coordinator & Geriatrician
Graduate of Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. Native of Jalisco. Completed Geriatrics training, placing SECOND in the National Board Examination (February 2022). Sees patients in Ajijic on Tuesdays, Guadalajara the rest of the week.
Paulo González Reyes, M.A.
Director of Rehabilitation & Neurological Rehabilitation Specialist
Master's Degree in Neurosciences and Behavioral Biology, University of Murcia, Spain. Post-graduate studies in hemiplegia and dysphagia. Certified in aquatic therapy. Professor of Rehabilitation at UVM Guadalajara.
Dr. Alfonso Garcia
General Practitioner
Graduate of University of Guadalajara. Lakeside native. Member of Chapala Med team since January 2021.
Support Staff
Jose
Nurse
Lucía
Medical Assistant & Office Coordinator
Araceli
Front Office Receptionist
Omar
Front Office Receptionist
Adriana
Support Staff
Our Mission
"We pledge to preserve our humility, integrity, and all the values which brought us to the practice of medicine. We will seek to heal the whole person, rather than merely treat disease, committing to a partnership with our patients that empowers them and demonstrates empathy and respect. We will cure sometimes, treat often, and comfort always."
— Dr. Santiago Hernández & the Chapala Med Team