Accepting new patients

Cristian D. Valenzuela, M.D., FACS, FSSO

Accepting new patients

  • Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine

Specialty

  • Cancer
  • Surgery

Clinical focus

  • Skin Cancers
  • Melanoma
  • Sarcoma
  • Peritoneal Surface Malignancy

Locations and contact

I see patients at
Modern building on a clear day with the tram in the background.
Center for Health & Healing, Building 2
503-494-8311
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About me

I am a surgeon who specializes in treating skin cancers in adult patients, including melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma and peritoneal surface malignancy.

I am a surgeon who was born and raised in the New York City area. Driven to help the less fortunate, I pursued my surgical residency at a public hospital in Spanish Harlem.

I also have a strong passion for basic science research, which has led me to work on laboratory projects focused on blood vessels and tissue development. After completing my general surgery residency, I specialized in cancer surgery at Wake Forest University. I later joined the surgical staff at OHSU, where my primary focus includes the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal surface malignancies.

Outside of work, I enjoy running, piano, chess and time with my family.

Education and training

  • Degrees

    • M.D., 2011, New York University Grossman School of Medicine
    • B.A., 2007, Cornell University

  • Residency

    • General Surgery, New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital Center, 2020
    • General Surgery (Internship), Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian Medical Center, 2012

  • Fellowship

    • Complex General Surgical Oncology, Wake Forest University, 2022
    • Laboratory Fellowship (NIH-funded), Harvard Medical School/Brigham & Women’s Hospital, 2017

  • Certifications

    • American Board of Surgery, General Surgery, 2022
    • American Board of Surgery, Complex General Surgical Oncology, 2023

Memberships and associations:

  • American College of Surgeons
  • Society of Surgical Oncology
  • North Pacific Surgical Association
  • Pacific Coast Surgical Association
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Insurance

Before scheduling an appointment

  1. Check your network. If you have health insurance,  call your company to find out if the OHSU Health location or provider you plan to visit is part of your network.
  2. Ask what you will pay. Your insurance company can tell you what your costs are likely to be.

If you schedule an appointment and your health insurance does not include OHSU Health, you may have to pay more than if you go to a provider in your insurance network. 

Visit our billing and insurance page for more information.

Ratings and reviews

Overall: 4.9 out of 5 (182 Ratings, 74 Reviews)

The patient ratings score is an average of all responses to the question "How likely would you be to recommend this provider to your family and friends (on a scale of 0 to 10)" on our nationally-recognized NRC patient surveys.

  1. He was wonderful. Took the time to listen to me and also explain everything so my partner and I could fully understand everything.

  2. Every single person I have been involved with in these 2 buildings has been wonderful. They all seem to want to do the best for me and my outcome. Very kind people, from the receptionists to the doctors. Thank you all.

  3. Excellent bedside manner, concerned, polite, knowledgable, thorough.

  4. I had and have always had good experiences with Dr Valenzuela. I value his opinion and expertise. Thank you, again, Doctor.

  5. At every visit it feels as if my health and concerns are are top priority.

  6. It was great. Answer all my questions.

  7. Dr. Valenzuela is very reassuring,calm and clear in his communications, and supportive.

  8. Kind, professional, informative

  9. Dr Valenzuela is highly skilled and very professional. He explains issues extremely well and is very personable

  10. Dr Valenzuela is the ultimate caring professional.

  11. I always have a good experience. Even though it is a busy office with many patients, the doctor and staff take their time during each visit, as if I am the only patient that's there to be taken care of. They never rush through visit. Everyone is friendly and efficient making the visit comfortable for me as the patient.

  12. I was very nervous coming to this appointment. Dr. Valenzuela explained everything to me in detail and that made me feel better. He is a compassionate and caring provider.

  13. Loved being part of the teaching of new medical students through my particular issues. My doctor explained things very well.

  14. Dr. Valenzuela is wonderful! I would recommend to anyone. Thank you so much Dr. Valenzuela I really do appreciate you.

  15. I don't know how he could be more thorough or considerate. Please tell this to Dr. Valenzuela.

  16. The team spent a lot of time explaining all thoughts and procedures thoroughly and many times opened the conversation to questions.

  17. I found Dr. Valenzuela to be well prepared for our meeting, knowledgeable and informative about the various possibilities and options for treatment. I was impressed with him and look forward to follow-up discussions with him after more test results are received.

  18. Dr. Valenzuela answered all my questions and put me at ease regarding my health concerns. He did not rush through our visit. He gave me at much time as was needed. I'm very pleased. Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback regarding this excellent physician.

  19. Considerate, thorough, positive

  20. Friendly and professional.

  21. I thought his skill level very high

  22. Dr. Valenzuela is very professional, caring and attentive.

  23. Very timely, efficient, friendly, clear and informative

  24. Expert, thorough, managed multiple facets and other doctors associated with the treatment, built total trust

  25. I really like him. I trust him and that is what it is all about. I think he cares about me.

  26. Excellent care, caring staff

  27. Very informative and professional

  28. He is the best. He treats me with respect and answers my questions. I am lucky to have been assigned such a top level surgeon.

  29. Very cordial, informative and professional

  30. Everything was explained so that I understood. I was surprised they took so much time for me. Dr Valenzuela has a very good manner with patients and with his associates, in my opinion.