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
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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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As part of ensuring you have a positive experience with Providence, our online provider directory includes ratings and patient comments for select providers. More about our survey.

  • 4.9
  • 168 Reviews
  • 279 Comments
  • 5
06/25/2026

All this stuff involved exceeded my expectations. The service that was provided in all of the offices that I visited ( radiology, the original location for my appointment, and the office where they did my ekg.) Was exceptional. My questions, fears and concerns were all addressed with dignity and respect.

Providence Patient
  • 5
06/23/2026

Dr. Essner and his staff are always highly professional and courteous during my visits.

Providence Patient
  • 5
06/22/2026

Positive

Providence Patient
  • 5
06/22/2026

Love how Dr. Essner never feels rushed, though he probably is, he takes his time in explaining and listening. His eye contact is also much appreciated.

Providence Patient
  • 5
06/14/2026

The care received from Dr Essner and staff is always a positive experience. Respect and consideration are a priority. Marvelous experience

Providence Patient
  • 5
06/13/2026

It was the greatest experience a person could have

Providence Patient
  • 5
06/13/2026

All good! Both provider and PA are an exceptional team and are very easy to relate to regarding my care

Providence Patient
  • 5
06/13/2026

Dr. Essner was very helpful!

Providence Patient
  • 4.94
05/31/2026

Dr Essner is very concerned and thorough in his exam and status review.

Providence Patient
  • 5
05/31/2026

I love that Dr. Essner and his team take their time with you. I have been to many doctors and some of them are rush rush because someone put time limits on how long they spend with you. I have quit seeing any doctor that has time limits placed on them.

Providence Patient