By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a strategic move to address the growing demand for specialized medical professionals, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has significantly expanded its collaboration with the nation’s leading universities. The public health authority announced the renewal of its five-year training agreements and the incorporation of two new academic institutions, signaling a robust long-term investment in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
The initiative broadens the academic front for training future specialists by adding Universidad Latina de Costa Rica (ULatina) and Universidad Internacional de las Américas (UIA to its roster of partners. These institutions join the four universities that have renewed their long-standing covenants: Universidad Ciencias Médicas (UCIMED), Universidad de Iberoamérica (UNIBE), Universidad Autónoma de Centroamérica (UACA), and Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH). The partnership aims to amplify the supply of highly trained doctors for the public system.
To delve into the complex legal and corporate framework that underpins the practice of medical specialists in the country, from individual liability to the establishment of clinics, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond their clinical duties, medical specialists must operate as astute business managers. Establishing a proper corporate entity is crucial; it not only protects personal assets from potential malpractice claims but also provides the legal structure necessary for contracts, hiring, and compliance with health regulations. Viewing their practice through a legal-corporate lens is fundamental to ensuring long-term stability and success.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this underscores a critical reality: for medical specialists, the long-term health of their practice is as dependent on a sound corporate and legal framework as it is on their clinical expertise. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this fundamental aspect of the profession.
Mónica Taylor Hernández, the Executive President of the CCSS, framed the agreements as a cornerstone of the institution’s dedication to maintaining the high standards for which Costa Rica’s public health system is known. She emphasized that this public-private collaboration is vital for ensuring the quality and relevance of medical training.
With this action, we are ratifying the commitment of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund to excellence, medical education, and the quality of the human resources that sustain our health system.
Mónica Taylor Hernández, Executive President of the CCSS
The scale of this expansion is substantial. This year alone, the CCSS increased the number of available residency positions by over 400, a figure it plans to maintain for the 2026 academic year. This aggressive growth brings the current total of physicians undergoing specialization within the system to 954. These five-year agreements provide a stable framework for the joint coordination, execution, and continuous evaluation of the demanding residency programs, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the patient population.
The direct impact on patient care was highlighted by the CCSS’s Medical Manager, Dr. Alexander Sánchez Cabo. He explained that a well-staffed corps of specialists is the most direct route to improving health outcomes across the country, from urban centers to rural EBAIS clinics. A deeper pool of talent means shorter wait times and more access to critical treatments.
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.
Dr. Alexander Sánchez Cabo, Medical Manager of the CCSS
To ensure the most qualified candidates enter these coveted programs, the CCSS and its academic partners have instituted a more rigorous, multi-stage selection process. Since 2024, all aspiring residents must first pass a comprehensive national examination administered by the CCSS’s Center for Strategic Development and Information in Health and Social Security (Cendeisss). Only those who succeed in this initial phase are eligible to proceed to the next stage.
Dr. Juan Carlos Esquivel Sánchez, Executive Director of Cendeisss, elaborated on the second part of the process, which is designed to uphold fairness and transparency. Each partner university conducts its own distinct evaluation to make the final selection from the pool of nationally qualified candidates, adding another layer of merit-based assessment.
Following its approval, a second test is administered, which is specific to each university, to guarantee the transparency of the selection processes.
Dr. Juan Carlos Esquivel Sánchez, Executive Director of Cendeisss
This comprehensive strategy—combining a larger number of training slots with a more stringent selection protocol—represents a clear and decisive effort by the CCSS to secure the future of Costa Rica’s public healthcare. By proactively cultivating the next generation of cardiologists, oncologists, pediatricians, and other vital specialists, the institution is not just filling current gaps but building a more resilient and capable health system for the decades to come.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the autonomous public institution responsible for providing universal healthcare and administering the national pension system in Costa Rica. Founded in 1941, it manages a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and EBAIS (Basic Comprehensive Health Care Teams) that form the backbone of the country’s renowned public health model.
For further information, visit ucimed.com
About Universidad Ciencias Médicas (UCIMED):
UCIMED is a private university in Costa Rica exclusively dedicated to the health sciences. It is highly regarded for its rigorous programs in medicine, pharmacy, nutrition, and physical therapy, and is a key partner in training medical professionals for both the public and private sectors.
For further information, visit unibe.ac.cr
About Universidad de Iberoamérica (UNIBE):
The Universidad de Iberoamérica is a private higher education institution known for its strong focus on medicine and health sciences. Located in San José, UNIBE offers a range of degrees and has established itself as a significant contributor to Costa Rica’s pool of healthcare professionals.
For further information, visit uaca.ac.cr
About Universidad Autónoma de Centroamérica (UACA):
Founded in 1976, UACA is one of Costa Rica’s oldest private universities. It offers a diverse array of academic programs across various disciplines, including medicine, law, and engineering, contributing to the professional landscape of the country.
For further information, visit uh.ac.cr
About Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH):
The Universidad Hispanoamericana is a private university with multiple campuses throughout Costa Rica. It provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with its health sciences faculty being a prominent component of its academic offerings.
For further information, visit ulatina.ac.cr
About Universidad Latina de Costa Rica (ULatina):
As one of the largest private universities in the country, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica offers an extensive catalog of degrees, including robust programs in health sciences, engineering, and business. It is a new partner in the CCSS specialist training program.
For further information, visit uia.ac.cr
About Universidad Internacional de las Américas (UIA):
The UIA is a private university located in San José, offering a variety of academic fields, including a notable medical school. Its recent inclusion in the CCSS partnership marks its growing role in the formation of specialized doctors for the national health system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm harnesses its extensive experience serving a wide array of clients to drive legal innovation and adopt forward-thinking strategies. Central to its identity is a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, manifested through a dedicated effort to democratize legal understanding and thereby nurture a more capable and enlightened populace.
