About
Ileana Esparraguera, MD arrived in the United States as a Cuban refugee at age two. By age four, she had already told her parents she wanted to become a doctor. That conviction never wavered. She earned her undergraduate degree at Loyola University while working full-time as a nursing assistant on the Shock Trauma 4C unit from 3 to 11 PM each evening. Financial constraints led her to pursue medical school in Spain at the Autónoma de Madrid, one of the country's most prestigious institutions. During her final year there, she earned a scholarship to Boston University.
S. and conducted hematology research at George Washington University during the AIDS epidemic. She focused on blood draw protocols and Low Molecular Weight Heparin, co-authoring a book chapter on the subject with her mentor, Dr. Craig Kessler. She then completed her Internal Medicine residency at GW, working roughly 136 hours per week over four years at the height of the crisis. She later managed Clinica del Pueblo for two years and ran an STD Clinic in Southeast DC. In 1995, she opened her own private practice in Washington, DC, building it entirely through word of mouth. Patients describe her as thorough, direct, caring, and a tenacious advocate during emergencies. She speaks Spanish fluently and has been bilingual since childhood.
Education & Training
Medical School
Autónoma de Madrid Medical School
Residency
Internal Medicine, George Washington University
Languages
English, Spanish
Conditions Treated
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Esparraguera treats a broad range of adult conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. She also manages joint conditions, lung disease, respiratory illnesses, sleep disorders, and sinus infections. Her focus extends to chronic illness management and preventive care.
Dr. Esparraguera passed her internal medicine board exam and completed her residency at George Washington University. She has practiced internal medicine in Washington, DC since founding her private practice in 1995.
Dr. Esparraguera attended Loyola University for her undergraduate education and earned her medical degree from the Autónoma de Madrid in Spain. During her final year of medical school, she received a scholarship to Boston University. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at George Washington University, where she also conducted hematology research.
Yes. Dr. Esparraguera is fluent in Spanish and has been bilingual since childhood. She welcomes native Spanish-speaking patients and conducts visits in Spanish when preferred.
Dr. Esparraguera founded her Washington, DC private practice in 1995. She has built her patient base entirely through word of mouth over the past three decades. Many of her patients have been with her for 15 to 20 years or more.
Dr. Esparraguera focuses on identifying and addressing health risks before they become serious conditions. She develops personalized wellness programs for each patient and monitors results over time. Her goal is proactive health management, not just illness treatment.
Dr. Esparraguera makes herself available by phone, text, or email 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Patients describe her as a strong and active advocate during medical emergencies. She also coordinates hospital care and specialist referrals when needed.
Yes. During her time at George Washington University, Dr. Esparraguera conducted hematology research focused on Low Molecular Weight Heparin protocols during the AIDS epidemic. She co-authored a book chapter on the subject with her mentor, Dr. Craig Kessler.
Doctor profile last updated March 26, 2026