About Me

How did you fall in love with your field?

I became a cancer doctor because of my father, who is a medical oncologist in Panama. As a teenager, I was able to go to his clinic and also observed cancer surgeries in the operating room. Seeing the surgeons in action convinced me to become a surgeon myself.

Being a surgical oncologist offers me the opportunity to treat cancer with a multidisciplinary team approach, which in my opinion is the best possible way to treat cancer. Performing cancer operations is highly rewarding, since one has the immediate ability to render a patient cancer-free.

 Three things people may not know about you:

  • I have three Weimaraner show dogs that are absolutely insane.
  • I was born in Detroit MI, but I grew up in Panama.
  • I traveled to over 20 countries while in medical school with a musical group called "La Tuna", and I used to play the lute.

Services and treatments

Credentials

Board Certifications

Complex General Surgical Oncology, General Surgery

Medical School

Universidad de Navarra, 2010

Residency

General Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 2018

Fellowship

Complex General Surgical Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, 2020

Publications

My research is focused in two areas. First, my basic and translation research interest is on breast cancer personalized therapies in the continuum of patient care by utilizing patient derived breast cancer organoids. Second, I focus on research on reducing breast health racial and ethnic disparities with community Lay Navigators.

See publications for Juan A. Santamaria, MD

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website.)

Locations

Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center - Nebraska Medical Center
505 S 45th St. Omaha NE 68105 Get directions
Blood draws, Arm draw: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.Port draw: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (Appointments are required for port draws.) 
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Insurance and Coverage

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Licensed to practice medicine in: Nebraska

This provider has met the requirements to practice medicine in these states. To schedule a telehealth visit with this provider, you must be physically located within one of these states.

Ratings

  • Aug 26, 2026

    Good

  • Aug 20, 2026

    He discharged me because things are going well.

  • May 14, 2026

    I have recommended him as a doctor to my niece who has cancer.

  • May 06, 2026

    Good

  • Mar 18, 2026

    Dr. Santamaria has been providing me with top notch care. He provides excellent counseling and is clearly knowledgeable and up to date on treatment options.

  • Mar 18, 2026

    I have gotten great care!

  • Nov 19, 2025

    Good

  • Nov 16, 2025

    Dr. Santamaria examined the scan and discussed its results with me. He is an amazing surgeon and person!

  • Jun 06, 2025

    I did not feel heard during this appointment. I felt as if he already had his plan in place when he came in the room and that was what was going to be done.

  • Jun 06, 2025

    Very efficient, kind and pleasant with the appointment with Dr Santamaria

  • Dec 26, 2024

    Dr. Santamaria is one of the most caring and compassionate doctors I have ever seen. I recommend him highly!

  • Oct 30, 2024

    Dr. Santamaria is exceptional. Best in the field.

  • Sep 29, 2024

    The doctors have been very kind to me and explain everything very well

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