Dr. Alejandro Ríos
Head of Emergency at Hospital Joya Marina and Hospital Joya Riviera in Puerto Vallarta. The internal-medicine specialist who oversees medical clearance and ICU care for ALO Bariatrics patients on the Pacific coast.
A Quarter-Century of Internal Medicine in Puerto Vallarta
Dr. Alejandro Ríos brings decades of clinical experience in internal medicine, pulmonology, and intensive care — exactly the expertise that supports safe bariatric surgery for international patients.
Dr. Ríos graduated in Medicine from the Autonomous University of Chihuahua in 1985. He spent a year of research at the prestigious Methodist Hospital in Houston, then continued his training in Chicago, completing specialties in Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, Intensive Therapy, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Illinois.
He moved to Puerto Vallarta in 2000 and has been a cornerstone of the region's medical community ever since. As an internist with deep ICU and pulmonology expertise, he plays a vital role in pre-operative medical clearance and post-operative critical care for ALO Bariatrics patients in Puerto Vallarta.
Beyond clinical work, much of Dr. Ríos's practice is magnanimous — he regularly offers his services free of charge to patients from the Regional Hospital and to low-income families. His greatest satisfaction as a physician, in his own words, is contributing to a patient's recovery and helping them reincorporate with their family.
Trained at Top Medical Institutions
Dr. Ríos's training spans top universities and hospitals in Mexico and the United States — building the foundation for over four decades of expert care.
Doctor of Medicine
Graduated with a Medical Degree in 1985, beginning a 40-year career in clinical practice and education.
Methodist Hospital — Houston, TX
Completed a year of medical research at one of the leading academic medical centers in the United States.
University of Illinois — Chicago
Completed specialty training in four interrelated disciplines critical for complex patient care and bariatric medical clearance.
Four Interconnected Disciplines
Each specialty reinforces the others — together giving Dr. Ríos a 360° view of patient health, breathing, and recovery.
Internal Medicine
Whole-body diagnostic expertise — the foundation for safe pre-op clearance and complex care.
Pulmonology
Specialized care for the lungs and respiratory system — critical for bariatric surgery candidates with sleep apnea.
Intensive Care
ICU expertise for the rare cases that need critical-care monitoring after major surgery.
Sleep Medicine
Diagnosis and management of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders — common in obesity patients.
Professional Memberships
Active member of leading professional societies in internal medicine and intensive care, with continuing education through international congresses.
Society of Internist Physicians of Jalisco
Active member
Mexican Society of Intensive Care
Active member
American Thoracic Society
Continuing medical education
The Internist Behind Safe Bariatric Surgery in PV
For international patients, safe bariatric surgery isn't just about the surgeon — it's about the entire medical team. Dr. Ríos's role in pre-op clearance and ICU readiness is what makes complex weight-loss surgery safe for patients from the U.S. and Canada.
Pre-Op Medical Clearance
Reviews medical history, identifies risks, and confirms candidacy for safe anesthesia.
Sleep Apnea Expertise
Specialty training in sleep medicine — critical for bariatric patients with breathing concerns.
ICU Oversight
Heads two emergency departments — immediate critical-care backup if ever needed.
Compassionate Care
Decades of free care for low-income patients — a testament to who he is as a physician.
Based in Puerto Vallarta
Dr. Ríos has practiced medicine on Mexico's Pacific coast since 2000, holding leadership roles at two of the city's premier private hospitals.
Pacific Coast — Internal Medicine
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most beautiful beach destinations and a premier medical-tourism hub. Dr. Ríos provides internal medicine and ICU coverage for ALO Bariatrics patients here.
Ready to Start Your Bariatric Journey?
Our coordinators will walk you through every step — from pre-op clearance to recovery — at our Puerto Vallarta or Tijuana locations. Free consultation, no obligation.