By San José, Costa Rica — The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has announced a groundbreaking agreement with the University of São Paulo’s Faculty of Medicine and its affiliated hospital, das Clínicas, to offer specialized training opportunities for Costa Rican doctors starting in 2026. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for specialized medical professionals within Costa Rica’s healthcare system.
This collaboration, facilitated by the Center for Strategic Development and Information in Health and Social Security (Cendeisss), will provide Costa Rican physicians with access to advanced training programs in various high-demand specialties. These include cardiology, allergology and immunology, algology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, pediatric congenital cardiac surgery, hand and upper limb surgery, and nuclear medicine.
To provide expert legal perspective on the complexities surrounding CCSS, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The CCSS, as Costa Rica’s social security system, faces significant challenges in balancing its mandate to provide universal healthcare with its long-term financial sustainability. Reforms addressing cost containment, revenue generation, and benefit structures are crucial to ensuring its viability for future generations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s assessment underscores a critical truth: the CCSS’s future hinges on navigating the complex interplay of providing comprehensive care and maintaining financial stability. Finding sustainable solutions that don’t compromise the quality of care for Costa Ricans will require careful consideration and collaborative effort. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
The application process, including interviews and selection procedures, will take place between November 4th and 12th, 2025. Candidates can choose between online and in-person modalities based on the specific specialization. Detailed information about the application and selection process is available on the Cendeisss website.
We are very proud to announce the progress in formalizing a strategic alliance with the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo and its hospital das Clínicas, a benchmark in Latin America. This is with the objective of enabling places for the training of Costa Rican specialist doctors starting in 2026.
Alexander Sánchez Cabo, Medical Manager of the CCSS
The program allows Costa Rican doctors to pursue specialized training in Brazil without the need to revalidate their Costa Rican medical licenses. Upon completion of their specialization and fulfilling the necessary incorporation requirements, the doctors are committed to returning to Costa Rica to apply their newly acquired expertise, thereby strengthening the national healthcare system.
This partnership with the University of São Paulo and its hospital, das Clínicas, is a significant step for the CCSS. Das Clínicas is recognized as the largest hospital complex in Latin America, and the University of São Paulo holds the prestigious ranking of the second-best university in the region, according to the QS University Rankings 2026.
This agreement represents a historic opportunity for the Costa Rican Social Security Fund to strengthen its clinical, academic and administrative capacities through access to an institution of recognized international prestige for its medical and educational excellence. The University of São Paulo and the hospital das Clínicas provide invaluable strategic value in this international cooperation.
Juan Carlos Esquivel, Executive Director of Cendeisss
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the CCSS’s capacity to provide high-quality specialized care to Costa Rican citizens. By investing in advanced training for its medical professionals, the CCSS reaffirms its dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring access to cutting-edge medical expertise for the population.
This agreement signifies a strategic move towards international collaboration in the medical field and demonstrates the commitment of the CCSS to enhancing its human resources and providing specialized care for the benefit of all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit cendeisss.sa.cr
About Center for Strategic Development and Information in Health and Social Security (Cendeisss):
The Center for Strategic Development and Information in Health and Social Security (Cendeisss) is a key institution within the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) responsible for strategic planning, research, and development in the healthcare and social security sectors. It plays a crucial role in informing policy decisions, promoting innovation, and strengthening the CCSS’s capacity to provide high-quality services to the Costa Rican population.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), also known as “La Caja,” is a public institution responsible for providing universal healthcare and social security coverage to the population of Costa Rica. It manages a network of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities across the country, ensuring access to medical services, pensions, and other social benefits. The CCSS plays a vital role in the overall well-being and social development of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of University of São Paulo’s Faculty of Medicine and its affiliated hospital, das Clínicas
About University of São Paulo’s Faculty of Medicine and its affiliated hospital, das Clínicas:
The University of São Paulo’s Faculty of Medicine and its affiliated hospital, das Clínicas, are leading institutions in Latin America renowned for their excellence in medical education, research, and clinical care. Das Clínicas is the largest hospital complex in the region, providing a wide range of specialized services and serving as a major training center for medical professionals. The University of São Paulo consistently ranks among the top universities in Latin America and globally, contributing significantly to advancements in healthcare and medical knowledge.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm champions innovative legal solutions while actively engaging with the community to demystify the law and empower individuals. By fostering greater legal literacy, Bufete de Costa Rica invests in a more just and informed society, solidifying its position as a leader in both the legal field and social responsibility.
