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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  • 4.9
  • 167 Reviews
  • 289 Comments
  • 5
08/01/2026

Always impressed by the quality of service at your hospital.

Providence Patient
  • 5
07/30/2026

Doy gracias por la visita k tuve de mi citujia a todos los k pusieron sus manos para k esto se realizara con ?xito agradesci sus atenciones y dedicaci?n y hacer k me sintiera en confianza para sentirme bien y confortable Dios les siga bendiciendo a tener paciencia hacia los clientes y los ilumine siempre en sus operaciones gracias gracias

Providence Patient
  • 5
07/26/2026

Great care. Good people!

Providence Patient
  • 5
07/18/2026

I have had only good experiences with Dr Essner and the office

Providence Patient
  • 5
07/16/2026

Dr Essner is always nice and easy to talk too. He always ask if I have any questions .

Providence Patient
  • 5
07/14/2026

Dr. Essner and his team are the best...professional, knowledgeble and make me feel very comfortable.

Providence Patient
  • 5
06/26/2026

Very nice and helpful, always. Thank you!

Providence Patient
  • 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