About
Jose R. P. holds a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Microbiology from Cornell University, where he also tutored biology. He studied abroad at the University of London, Queen Mary College, before earning his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine. His residency training in Internal Medicine took place at Yale New Haven Hospital, and Yale University Hospital of St. Raphael selected him as Chief Medical Resident. He later earned a Master of Public Health in Community Health from Harvard University School of Public Health and completed a Commonwealth Fund Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy.
Dr. Santana brings more than 20 years of internal medicine experience to Private Physician Services, having spent two decades as an internist in Clearwater before joining the practice. He holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine, recertified in 2021, and the Fellow of the American College of Physicians designation. His public health training shapes a strong emphasis on preventive medicine and wellness. He has served on the Board of Directors for Baycare Medical Group and Baycare Physician Partners, chaired quality and safety committees, and currently holds a Clinical Assistant Professor appointment at Florida State University College of Medicine. He is passionate about managing complex health concerns, stress-related conditions, and seasonal illness prevention.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Cornell University, Bachelor of Science with Honors in Microbiology; exchange student at University of London, Queen Mary College
Medical School
Stanford University School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine Internship and Residency, Yale New Haven Hospital; Chief Medical Resident, Yale University Hospital of St. Raphael
Fellowship
Commonwealth Fund Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy
Additional Training
Harvard University School of Public Health, Masters of Public Health in Community Health
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Santana right for?
Dr. Santana is a strong fit for adults who want a physician with deep experience in both clinical medicine and public health. Patients managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol benefit from his thorough, prevention-centered approach. He works well with patients navigating stress-related health concerns or seasonal illnesses. Those who value a physician with extensive hospital leadership and quality improvement experience will find his background reassuring.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Dr. Carlos CaballeroM.D., F.A.C.P.
hypertension, diabetes, heart disease +3 more
Dr. Chris GelvinMD
chronic disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease +2 more
Dr. David RizzoDO
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Santana specializes in internal medicine and preventive medicine. He focuses on chronic disease management, wellness, stress-related conditions, and seasonal health. His public health training informs a strong emphasis on prevention across all aspects of care.
Yes. Dr. Santana holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine, most recently recertified in 2021. He also carries the Fellow of the American College of Physicians designation.
Dr. Santana completed his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine. He trained in Internal Medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital and served as Chief Medical Resident at Yale University Hospital of St. Raphael. He later earned a Master of Public Health from Harvard University School of Public Health.
Dr. Santana practiced as an internist in Clearwater, Florida for over 20 years before joining Private Physician Services. He has also served as a hospital attending physician and nursing home medical director, giving him broad experience managing complex patient needs.
Dr. Santana served on the Board of Directors for Baycare Medical Group and Baycare Physician Partners, organizations representing over 600 and 1,200 physicians respectively. He chaired the Clinical Quality and Safety Committee and the Professional Standards and Membership Committee for Baycare Physician Partners. He also serves on the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Yes. Dr. Santana currently holds a Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine appointment at Florida State University College of Medicine. He previously served as a Clinical Instructor at Yale University School of Medicine and a Research Assistant at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Santana treats hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and stress-related conditions. He also manages seasonal illnesses and conducts cancer screenings. His preventive medicine focus means he addresses health risks proactively, not only when symptoms arise.
Doctor profile last updated March 23, 2026