I recently injured my knee while exercising, and the process of seeing a doctor in Spain was quite an ordeal. After visiting several hospitals and consulting many friends, I’ve finally gotten a better understanding of the orthopedic care system here. For more background, you can read about orthopedics in Spain
. I thought other forum members might face similar issues, like skiing injuries, workout strains, or elderly family members with rheumatic joint problems. So, I decided to compile and share the information I’ve gathered, focusing on the major cities of Madrid and Barcelona.
How to Find a Reliable Orthopedic Doctor in Spain?
If you have private health insurance, your options are much broader. You can directly search for traumatología (orthopedics) specialists in your insurance provider’s medical directory. I personally prefer doctors who practice at well-known major hospitals and also have their own private clinics, as they seem to have more extensive experience. If you’re using the public health system (social security), you’ll have to follow the standard procedure: see your family doctor (GP) first, get a referral to a specialist, and be prepared for potentially long waiting times.
Some Orthopedic Specialists in Madrid and Barcelona
Here, based on my research into orthopedics in Spain and various top 10 lists of [orthopedics in Spain], I’ve compiled a list of a few doctors with good reputations in the field. They each have their own specialties, so you can use this as a reference based on your own situation. I must emphasize that this is just information I’ve gathered personally, along with feedback from fellow patients. This is definitely not an advertisement
! Choosing a doctor is a very personal decision, and you should make your own final judgment.
| City | Doctor’s Name | Specialty | Affiliated Hospital/Clinic |
|---|
| Madrid | Pedro Guillén García | Knee, Sports Medicine, Arthroscopic Surgery | Clínica CEMTRO |
| Madrid | Fernando Marco Martínez | Shoulder, Elbow, Upper Limb Trauma | Hospital Clínico San Carlos |
| Barcelona | Ramón Cugat Bertomeu | Knee, Regenerative Medicine, Footballer Injuries | Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona |
| Barcelona | Ferran Pellisé Urquiza | Spine Surgery, Scoliosis | Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron |
Dr. Ramón Cugat is very famous in Barcelona; many star players like Messi and Iniesta have been treated by him, making him an authority in the field of sports medicine. In Madrid, Clínica CEMTRO is also a top-tier private hospital for orthopedics. I initially consulted them because of their reputation. Although I didn’t choose the most expensive option in the end, I found the entire process to be very professional.
Finally, a few words of advice: when seeking medical care in Spain, especially for a specialist, patience is key. Make appointments in advance, bring all your previous test results, and clearly explain your symptoms, medical history, and needs to the doctor during the consultation. If your language skills aren’t strong, consider bringing a translator or a friend who is fluent. I hope everyone stays healthy and won’t need this information! If you have other good doctor recommendations, feel free to share and discuss them below!
