About Health Institute de Tijuana
About HIT
Our Story
Dr. Alicia Melendez, MD, met Charlotte Gerson in 1977 and began training with her at Hospital La Gloria in Tijuana, Mexico, the first hospital in the country to practice Gerson Therapy. Over the years, wherever Charlotte went, Dr. Melendez followed, learning and growing under her guidance.
In 2001, Dr. Melendez, along with her business partner Dr. Luz Bravo, opened Mexico's first licensed Gerson clinic in Playas de Tijuana. Charlotte played a key role , ensuring that every aspect of the clinic met the highest standards. She continued to visit the clinic and support its patients regularly until her retirement in 2013.
After Dr. Bravo's retirement in 2015, Dr. Melendez became the sole owner of the clinic and renamed it Health Institute de Tijuana (HIT). To this day, she remains actively involved in patient care, overseeing the medical staff, and reviewing applications in her role as Medical Director Emeritus.
Today, HIT is home to some of the world’s most experienced Gerson Therapy physicians. The Gerson Institute team regularly visits, and many former patients return to share their stories, offer advice, and encourage current patients. With decades of experience, the dedicated doctors, administrative staff, chefs, and support personnel at HIT are a testament to the exceptional level of care provided to those who seek treatment.
Meet The Team
At Health Institute de Tijuana, we are proud to introduce our expert team of healthcare professionals. Our team is composed of highly skilled and experienced individuals who are dedicated to providing exemplary care to our patients. From doctors to support staff, each member of our team is committed to your health and well-being.
Doctors
MEDICAL DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Alicia Melendez
"Each patient we see receives a personalized plan to fit her needs. I do not believe in one treatment for all. When you see positive results in someone you are helping, it brings you a great sense of joy and humility."
MD
Pedro Cervantes
"If we fully understood the intricate workings of the immune system, we would be far better equipped to treat and even overcome many diseases."
MD
Vanessa Alvarez
"Being a doctor has allowed me to understand the complexity that an illness can bring to the life of a person and their family, so I have dedicated my life to acquiring the knowledge and wisdom that can give hope and quality of life to each person in front of me. That's why being a Doctor is my passion."
MD
Carlo Acosta
"Studying medicine has given me the opportunity to help people when they need it the most, providing me with unique experiences that have opened my eyes to many aspects of life and helped me grow as a person, inspired to be better every day."
Nurses
CHIEF NURSE
Elsa
As Head Nurse at the Health Institute of Tijuana, I carry a deep sense of responsibility to lead with ethics, compassion, and professional excellence. My role goes beyond overseeing operations—it involves identifying team needs, encouraging continuous learning, and ensuring that every patient receives respectful, warm, and high-quality care. Many arrive fearful of the unknown, and it is our mission to offer an environment of trust, comfort, and connection—helping them feel supported as part of a family while promoting their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being throughout their healing stay.
NURSE
Cinthia
We believe in each other with kindness and empathy, ensuring that every patient feels valued and understood.
NURSE
Norma
I have always been aware of the great needs people have, and I have always enjoyed helping those in need.
Administrative
GENERAL MANAGER
Felix
He’s the go-to person for anything you need. With years of experience wearing many hats at HIT, he’s dedicated to ensure every patient’s needs are fully met. No matter the task, he’s got it covered.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Azucena
I am a teacher, and for me it is not just a profession, but a way of accompanying, embracing, and sharing a small piece of hope with every person who crosses my path. I love my work because it allows me to be there for others, reminding them that even on difficult days there is always something that can bring us calm or a smile.
MAINTENANCE CHIEF
Pedro
Our Chief Maintenance Engineer, has been with HIT for over 20 years. His expertise is behind the painting, remodeling, and upkeep of most rooms, offices, and common areas throughout the facility. His work truly shapes the environment we all enjoy every day.
PATIENT COORDINATOR
Mauricio
Starting Theraphy in a foreign country can feel overwhelming, which is why I find my role as Patient Coordinator so incredibly rewarding. I have the privilege of serving as each patient's primary point of contact and source of support throughout their journey. Whether it's coordinating logistics, arranging transportation, answering questions, or simply providing reassurance along the way, my goal is to make every patient feel informed, supported, and truly at home while they are with us.
Kitchen
CHEF
Alejandrina
Dedicated and always prepared, our head chef leads one of the most vital departments at HIT. Her role is essential to delivering the exceptional care and nutrition our patients rely on.
KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Laura
As one of HIT’s longest-standing team members, she brings years of experience to the kitchen, making every meal truly delicious.
KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Margarita
She’s the resident artist in our kitchen; if you spot a beautifully plated dessert or an artfully crafted dish, it’s likely her handiwork.
KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Suzi
If you’re lucky enough to catch her, consider it a treat—she’s always on the move, buzzing around from preparing meals and juices to setting up dining areas, all while wearing a smile.
KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Daniela
A bit shy at times, but always with a smile when helping you, she creates delicious juices that are sure to brighten your day, nourish your body and soul.
Facilities
Health Institute de Tijuana is a boutique clinic facility housing up to ten patients and their companions. The small, intimate setting offers each guest the benefit of receiving the highest quality of care.
Each guest and their companion stay in a private room with its own bathroom. Each room comes with Gerson-approved personal care items (soap, pill box) and comforts of home, including complimentary WiFi, cable TV, telephone, hair dryer, and an in-room safe deposit box.
On-site amenities also include an ozone-treated swimming pool, common room with a T.V. and ample room for yoga, as well as a cozy and comfortable courtyard to enjoy the year around perfect temperatures of the region.
Meals are individually plated in the communal dining area, where patients can enjoy “breaking bread” together. This offers the rare opportunity to connect with other patients going through the same journey. Meals can also be delivered to the room upon request.
Patients and their companions can also enjoy strolls along the beach during the day.
A team of licensed medical doctors and registered nurses are available24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Cancer Recovery Treatment
Travel Arrangements
STEPS to get the FMM onLine:
You can get a FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple ) online directly from Mexico's INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) through the NIM's embed window in this web site below. Or if you can't pre-visualize correctly the embed page, go to the INM's Official page HERE.
1.- Go to the INM's Official FMM Portal.
2.- Fill out your personal and travel details (Passport Info, dates, entry/exit points, etc)
3.- If you stay is for 7 days or less, FMM is free.
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Longer than 7 days you'll pay a fee ( $861.00 MXN - $43 USD). Payment can be Online.
4.- Print the FMM Form.
5.- When you cross into Mexico, you must stop at immigration (INM Office at the Border) to have it stamped/ validated. Without stamp, it's not officially validated.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If filling the form online note that "El Chaparral" is point of entry via land and via air is "Aeropuerto Internacional General Abelardo L. Rodriguez"
Point of Entry:
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Select “By Land” if you are driving or walking across the border.
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Choose “El Chaparral” as your point of entry because you are crossing at Tijuana.
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Personal Information:
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Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your passport.
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Double-check your passport number and expiration date for accuracy.
Travel Details:
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Provide the purpose of your trip (medical).
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Indicate the address of our clinic - Ave. del Agua 256, Playas de Tijuana, Tijuana, Baja California
Length of Stay:
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Specify the number of days you plan to remain in Mexico.
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Visitors typically receive up to 180 days, but only request the number of days you truly need. We recommend an extra week or two for those planning on staying with us for two weeks in case you wish to extend your stay.
Customs Declaration:
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Most personal belongings for your trip do not need to be declared.
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Please make sure you are not carrying any CBD or THC products.
Final Step:
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Print or save a copy of your completed form to show at the border.
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Keep it with your passport during your stay in Mexico.
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The transportation service will stop at the border to get your permit stamped prior to crossing into Mexico.
Safety in Mexico
Is Mexico Safe?
At Health Institute de Tijuana, the safety and well-being of guests is a top priority.
While we have not had a single safety incident in more than 20 years, safety measures are in place. For example, a security guard and surveillance cameras are on site 24/7.
We also partner with a private transportation service to escort you from the airport (or your hotel) to the clinic. In addition, no outside foot traffic enters the clinic; only patients, their companion, and staff can enter the premises. The surrounding community also has an active neighborhood watch.