Purpose-Driven Medicine for Purpose-Driven Lives
Bilingual primary care and regenerative medicine physician serving the expat community of Lake Chapala and Guadalajara. US-trained. Zero language barriers. Real care.
Over 1,500 patients treated since 2015
Our Hospital & Specialist Network
ISSCA Certified
International Society for Stem Cell Application
CRYOVIDA Partner
Latin America's Largest Stem Cell Lab
University of Chicago Medicine
Second Opinion Referral Pathway
AAFP Member
American Academy of Family Physicians
COFEPRIS Registered
Mexico's Federal Health Regulatory Authority
Why Patients Choose Chapala Med
Dr. Santiago Hernández brings over 20 years of medical experience, U.S. post-graduate training in Family Medicine, and AAFP membership to every patient interaction. A native of Chicago who lived in the Chicagoland area for more than 30 years — with over 20 years in medicine, trained in both Mexico and the US — Dr. Hernández understands American and Canadian patients: their expectations, their insurance systems, and their standards of care. Chapala Med is a fully bilingual clinic where English is not a second language, it's the first. As an expat himself, Dr. Hernández built this practice specifically for people like you. He is ISSCA-certified in regenerative medicine, partners with CRYOVIDA (Latin America's largest stem cell lab), and has a remote consultation and second opinion referral pathway with University of Chicago Medicine.
Two Ways We Can Help You
World-class care across two complementary disciplines
Regenerative Medicine
- Pain relief & joint repair
- Anti-aging & cellular health
- Non-surgical treatment options
- ISSCA-certified protocols
- CRYOVIDA lab partnership
Primary & Specialty Care
- Bilingual primary care
- 20+ medical specialties
- Coordinated specialist network
- Home visits & telemedicine
- Veterans discount available
A Simple, Transparent Process Designed Around You
From your first message to your follow-up care — here's what to expect.
Comprehensive Consultation
Thorough medical history, physical exam, and review of existing imaging.
Your Custom Protocol
Dr. Hernández designs a personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition and goals.
Treatment Day
Blood drawn for PRP or stem cell preparation, followed by targeted injections or IV infusion.
Ongoing Care
Many protocols involve multiple sessions — we monitor and adjust throughout.
Follow-Up Evaluation
Results assessed with before and after comparisons to measure your progress.
Ready to start?
Why Chapala Med?
Not all stem cell clinics in Mexico are created equal.
Just 38 km from Guadalajara International Airport
Despite being further in distance, Lake Chapala is actually faster to reach than downtown Guadalajara — thanks to direct highway access and zero city traffic.
Lake Chapala / Chapala Med
~38 km (~24 mi)
from GDL airport
45 min
drive time
Direct highway — no traffic lights
Guadalajara Andares
Closer in km
from GDL airport
2+ hours
drive time
City traffic, stoplights, congestion
Providencia (GDL)
Closer in km
from GDL airport
2+ hours
drive time
City traffic, stoplights, congestion
GDL Airport → Lake Chapala: Highway 23 provides a clear, direct route with no stoplights or city congestion. You arrive in 45 minutes — fresher and more relaxed than patients driving to downtown Guadalajara clinics.
World-Class Care in One of Mexico's Most Beautiful Destinations
- Just 45 minutes from Guadalajara International Airport
- Located in Ajijic — Mexico's largest expat community
- Year-round spring climate on the shores of Lake Chapala
- Walking distance from restaurants, hotels and Lake Chapala
- Safe, welcoming community loved by American and Canadian retirees
- Combine your treatment with a beautiful lakeside stay
Real Patients. Real Results.
“Best care in my lifetime. Can't praise Dr. Hernandez and his excellent staff enough. Suffered from sinusitis for months with absolutely no relief from US doctors. Walked into Chapala Med on a Monday and within 2.5 hours was examined by a nurse and two doctors, had x-rays and complete bloodwork panels taken at a nearby diagnostic center, returned to the clinic and received a diagnosis of a serious sinus infection, and received a steroid injection and prescriptions for two antibiotics and steroid tablets.”
Larry Halvorson
General Medical Care
“I had been in so much pain for so long and today I can sit, drive, run, and exercise with no pain at all. The stem cells had regenerated my cartilage in my spine and the PRP helped the inflammation of my sacroiliac — both proven with before and after x-rays. Dr. Hernandez, his team, and Dr. Isabel really cared about how I was feeling through each treatment and follow-up.”
George Stetar
Stem Cell Therapy & PRP
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Santiago Hernandez and Chapala Med, for all your help and support. Your empathetic approach, combined with your willingness to go above and beyond, made a world of difference as we navigated a system we were unfamiliar with.”
Tania Winther
Lake Chapala Expat
Knee & Neck Recovery — Avoided Full Knee Replacement
Patient could barely walk with a meniscus 90% torn — avoided a full knee replacement with stem cells. Neck pain reduced by 90% and knee pain completely gone.
See More TestimonialsFrequently Asked Questions
Costs vary depending on the protocol, number of sessions, and condition being treated. At Chapala Med we offer a free initial consultation to assess your case and provide transparent pricing. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
At Chapala Med, all regenerative protocols are performed by ISSCA-certified physicians using cells sourced exclusively from CRYOVIDA, Latin America's largest and most regulated stem cell laboratory. Safety is our highest priority.
The best clinic is one that combines international accreditation, a reputable lab partnership, and a strong primary care foundation. Chapala Med is ISSCA-certified, partners with CRYOVIDA, and is led by a US-trained bilingual physician with 20+ years of experience.
Fly into Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) — just 45 minutes from our clinic in Ajijic. Direct flights available from many US and Canadian cities.
Yes, over 80% of our patients are American and Canadian expats and medical tourists. We are fully bilingual and experienced in coordinating care for international patients.
We accept insurance for major medical and catastrophic events. In-clinic consultations are out-of-pocket. We accept TRICARE and participate in the VA Foreign Medical Program (subject to verification of coverage).
Stem cell therapy has shown promise for joint pain, arthritis, autoimmune conditions, anti-aging, and more. Book a consultation with Dr. Hernández to discuss whether you are a candidate.