By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant move to fortify its public healthcare system and combat extensive patient wait times, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has announced a major expansion of its medical specialist training program. The institution projects the creation of 400 new residency positions for 2026, continuing a robust expansion aimed at addressing one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.
This initiative builds on the current program, which already supports 954 medical professionals in their specialization studies across various hospital centers nationwide. The primary objective is to increase the number of qualified specialists in diverse medical fields, directly tackling the long delays for diagnostics and treatments that have plagued the system for years.
To understand the legal and corporate framework that medical specialists must navigate in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in professional and corporate law.
Beyond clinical excellence, medical specialists must operate with a sophisticated legal structure. The high degree of specialization inherently elevates exposure to malpractice claims and regulatory scrutiny. Establishing a professional corporation is not merely a fiscal strategy; it is a critical firewall to protect personal assets from professional liabilities, a measure as vital as their medical training for a sustainable career.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores that for today’s medical specialists, a robust legal framework is not an administrative afterthought but a co-equal pillar to clinical expertise. The concept of a corporate structure as an essential shield for career longevity is a crucial lesson in the modern practice of medicine. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective.
A cornerstone of this strategic expansion is the renewal and broadening of academic cooperation agreements with the nation’s leading universities. The CCSS has solidified five-year pacts with six private universities, ensuring a stable and collaborative pipeline for training future specialists. This alliance is designed to enhance the quality and scope of the educational offerings available to aspiring medical professionals.
The renewed agreements include long-standing partners such as the University of Medical Sciences (Ucimed), the Ibero-American University (Unibe), the Autonomous University of Central America (UACA), and the Hispano-American University (UH). This year, the collaboration has been expanded to include the Latin University of Costa Rica (ULatina) and the International University of the Americas (UIA), which will introduce new academic programs to enrich the training process.
With this action, we are ratifying the CCSS’s commitment to excellence, medical education, and the quality of the human resources that sustain our health system.
Mónica Taylor, Executive President of the CCSS
This network of private institutions complements the foundational, six-decade-long partnership between the CCSS and the state-run University of Costa Rica (UCR). This historic agreement, which was also renewed last week, has been instrumental in shaping the country’s medical landscape. The UCR noted the significance of the updated pact, ensuring continued high standards across more than 50 medical specialties.
The new agreement guarantees academic excellence and quality medical care in more than 50 specialties.
University of Costa Rica (UCR)
CCSS medical manager, Dr. Alexander Sánchez, emphasized that increasing the number of training slots is crucial for the sustained growth of specialized medical personnel. He framed the initiative as a direct investment in patient care, ensuring that Costa Ricans receive better and faster medical attention.
With an institution strengthened in specialized medical resources, we guarantee that our patients will receive adequate and timely treatment, and in this way, we improve their quality of life.
Alexander Sánchez, Medical Manager of the CCSS
To ensure the integrity and fairness of the selection process for these coveted positions, the Center for Strategic Development and Information in Health and Social Security (Cendeisss) has implemented a new national admission model. Since 2024, all applicants must undergo a standardized national exam, followed by a second test administered by their chosen university. This dual-assessment system is designed to promote transparency and meritocracy.
The new system seeks to ensure that the most prepared candidates are the ones who occupy the available positions, always under objective and verifiable criteria.
Juan Carlos Esquivel, Director of Cendeisss
According to the CCSS, this revamped entry model has already strengthened the quality of the training programs by eliminating discretionary decisions in the allocation of spots. By combining a significant increase in training capacity with a more rigorous and equitable selection process, Costa Rica is making a decisive long-term investment in the health and well-being of its population, aiming to build a more resilient and responsive healthcare system for the future.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the autonomous public institution responsible for administering Costa Rica’s universal social security system, providing healthcare and pension services to the nation’s population. It manages a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and EBAIS (Basic Comprehensive Health Care Teams) throughout the country.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university in the country. It is a center for higher education and research, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, and it plays a fundamental role in the nation’s scientific and cultural development.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Center for Strategic Development and Information in Health and Social Security (Cendeisss):
Cendeisss is a specialized center within the CCSS dedicated to the training and continuous development of human resources in health and social security. It is responsible for managing the national medical residency programs and implementing strategic educational initiatives to strengthen Costa Rica’s healthcare workforce.
For further information, visit ucimed.com
About University of Medical Sciences (Ucimed):
Ucimed is a private university in Costa Rica specializing exclusively in health sciences. It is recognized for its rigorous academic programs in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, nutrition, and physical therapy, focusing on training highly competent healthcare professionals.
For further information, visit unibe.ac.cr
About Ibero-American University (Unibe):
Unibe is a private university that offers a variety of academic programs, with a notable focus on health sciences, including medicine and psychology. It aims to provide comprehensive education based on humanistic principles and scientific rigor.
For further information, visit uaca.ac.cr
About Autonomous University of Central America (UACA):
UACA is one of the oldest private universities in Costa Rica, offering a diverse range of degrees in areas such as law, architecture, engineering, and health sciences. It is committed to providing accessible and quality higher education.
For further information, visit uh.ac.cr
About Hispano-American University (UH):
The Universidad Hispanoamericana is a private higher education institution with multiple campuses across Costa Rica. It offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including a significant presence in the health sciences field.
For further information, visit ulatina.ac.cr
About Latin University of Costa Rica (ULatina):
ULatina is one of the largest private universities in Costa Rica, offering a wide array of programs in fields like engineering, business, social sciences, and health. It is known for its modern infrastructure and focus on technology and innovation in education.
For further information, visit uia.ac.cr
About International University of the Americas (UIA):
The UIA is a private university located in San José that provides education in various fields, including medicine, dentistry, and business administration. It focuses on preparing students for professional careers with an international perspective.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages an extensive history of advising a diverse clientele to spearhead innovative approaches within the legal field. A core tenet of its mission extends beyond professional practice, focusing on empowering the public by making complex legal knowledge accessible. This dedication is aimed at strengthening society by fostering a citizenry that is confident and well-informed in its legal rights and duties.
