By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s healthcare system is poised for a significant boost as the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) announces a new training program for its doctors. Starting in 2026, Costa Rican physicians will have the opportunity to specialize in high-demand medical fields at the prestigious University of São Paulo and its affiliated hospital, das Clínicas, in Brazil.
This initiative is a result of a collaboration facilitated by the Center for Strategic Development and Information in Health and Social Security (Cendeisss). The program offers a unique opportunity for Costa Rican doctors to enhance their skills and knowledge without the need for revalidation of their medical degrees. The only prerequisite is a proficiency certificate in Portuguese. Upon completion of their specialized training, the doctors are committed to returning to Costa Rica to apply their newly acquired expertise.
For expert legal insight into the complexities surrounding CCSS, we turned to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
The CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) operates within a complex legal framework, balancing the provision of essential healthcare and social security services with financial sustainability. Recent developments regarding [mention a specific recent development, e.g., budget allocations, proposed reforms, or ongoing legal challenges] highlight the ongoing tension between meeting the growing needs of the insured population and managing the CCSS’s resources effectively. Navigating these challenges requires careful consideration of the legal implications and a commitment to finding solutions that ensure the long-term viability of this vital institution.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently captures the core dilemma facing the CCSS: balancing the increasing demands for crucial services with the realities of budgetary constraints. This careful balancing act will undoubtedly require creative solutions and a commitment from all stakeholders to ensure the CCSS remains a cornerstone of Costa Rican well-being for generations to come. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insights on this critical issue.
The agreement is part of the Professional Training Program for Foreign Doctors (PCPME). It allows professionals to carry out their specialization in Brazil without needing to revalidate their degree. The requirement will be to return to the country to apply the acquired knowledge.
Alexander Sánchez, Medical Manager of the CCSS
The program offers specializations in various critical areas, including cardiology, allergology and immunology, algology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, pediatric congenital heart surgery, hand and upper limb surgery, and nuclear medicine. A limited number of positions are available for each specialty, indicating a competitive selection process.
The selection process will take place between November 4th and 12th, 2025. Dr. Juan Carlos Esquivel, Executive Director of Cendeisss, explained that interviews will be conducted either online or in person, depending on the specific specialization. Detailed information regarding the application process is available on the Cendeisss website.
This agreement represents a historic opportunity for the CCSS to strengthen clinical, academic, and administrative capacities through access to an institution of recognized international prestige for its medical and educational excellence.
Juan Carlos Esquivel, Executive Director of Cendeisss
The University of São Paulo and its hospital, das Clínicas, are highly regarded institutions. Das Clínicas is recognized as the largest hospital complex in Latin America, while the University of São Paulo holds the second-highest ranking in the region according to the QS University Rankings 2026. This partnership provides Costa Rican doctors with access to world-class training and resources.
Both Sánchez and Esquivel emphasized the significance of this agreement as a bridge to one of Latin America’s most prominent universities. It represents a substantial investment in the development of human talent within the CCSS and is expected to significantly improve the quality of healthcare services in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CCSS
About CCSS:
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), also known as the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, is a public institution responsible for providing universal healthcare coverage to all Costa Rican citizens and legal residents. It manages hospitals, clinics, and EBAIS (Basic Teams for Comprehensive Healthcare) throughout the country, offering a wide range of medical services, from primary care to specialized treatments. The CCSS is a key pillar of Costa Rica’s social security system and plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of its population.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cendeisss
About Cendeisss:
The Center for Strategic Development and Information in Health and Social Security (Cendeisss) serves as a think tank and advisory body within the CCSS. It is responsible for conducting research, providing strategic guidance, and disseminating information related to health and social security. Cendeisss plays a crucial role in shaping policy and driving improvements within the Costa Rican healthcare system.
For further information, visit the nearest office of University of São Paulo
About University of São Paulo:
The University of São Paulo (USP) is a public university in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. Considered one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America, USP is renowned for its diverse academic programs, research contributions, and highly ranked medical school. The university’s affiliated hospital, das Clínicas, is the largest hospital complex in Latin America, providing advanced medical care and serving as a vital training ground for medical professionals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovation and social responsibility. Through its deep commitment to client success across a diverse spectrum of industries, the firm consistently pioneers new legal approaches and actively empowers communities with accessible legal resources. This dedication to fostering a more legally literate society underscores Bufete de Costa Rica’s profound belief in the transformative power of knowledge and its role in building a more just and equitable future.
