Richard Essner, MD

Richard Essner, MD

Surgical Oncology

Accepting New Patients

About Richard Essner, MD, FACS 

Certified by the American Board of Surgery, Richard Essner, MD is a Surgical Oncologist, Professor of Surgery, Director of Surgical Oncology, and the Co-Director of the Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology Research Program at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute. His primary focus is on complex surgical oncology, particularly in patients with melanoma and other cutaneous (skin) cancers, head and neck tumors, and reconstructive surgeries.  

Dr. Essner earned his medical degree from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, then moved to Florida to complete his internship at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. He has completed two residencies; one at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and the other at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill. He has also completed two surgical oncology fellowships, one at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles and the other at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute.  

Dr. Essner has published extensively in the National Library of Medicine, and his translational research focuses on mechanisms of metastases in melanoma and other skin malignancies.  

He is associated with Cedars-Sinai, and his affiliations include the Cancer Institute (Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute), the Sarcoma Program, and the Department of Surgery.  

Richard Essner

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Richard Essner, MD, FACS
Hematology/Oncology Clinic

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Hematology/Oncology
01 / 02

Medical Service

Surgical Specialties

Locations

2121 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 828-8585

Education

Medical School
Emory University School of Medicine – Atlanta, GA

Internship
University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine – Miami, FL

Residency
University of North Carolina School of Medicine – Chapel Hill, NC

Fellowship
UCLA Geffen School of Medicine – Los Angeles, CA

Reviews

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  • 4.9
  • 159 Reviews
  • 247 Comments
  • 5
01/12/2026

I had consultation on Wednesday and surgery next day. Everything went smoothly during this stressful time.

Providence Patient
  • 5
12/29/2025

Dr. Richard Essner, is a caring, dedicated professional medical specialist. His knowledge of oncology and melanoma treatment is premier in the United States. He is the best specialist in his field, and I am very blessed to be a patient of his. His staff is always friendly, professional, and dedicated just as he is. Everyone in the office from the receptionist, intake personnel to the assistants and nurses are all dedicated to the medical situation of the patient's physical well-being, but also to their mental, spititual and emotional state of health. The whole man is considered by Dr. Essner and his team. This is an exceptionally rare medical experience for a person battling cancer!

Providence Patient
  • 5
12/28/2025

Dr Essner saved my life.

Providence Patient
  • 5
12/24/2025

Excellent

Providence Patient
  • 5
12/22/2025

All good. He made sure I was introduced to a second doctor on team and ask for my permission to let student attend.

Providence Patient
  • 5
12/21/2025

I am so grateful for the excellent care I receive with Drs Essner and at Providence Hospital

Providence Patient
  • 5
12/14/2025

Dr. Essner and his entire staff provide excellent services. I am very pleased with my care.

Providence Patient
  • 5
12/13/2025

Everything is great

Providence Patient
  • 5
12/08/2025

Very appreciative and grateful to all at providence Saint johns. Always warm and friendly.

Providence Patient
  • 5
11/20/2025

I have only had excellent experiences with Dr. Essner for over 40 years.

Providence Patient