Michael Hernandez Jr., MD, is a Southern California native who grew up in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology & society from Cornell University, where he was a four-year Division I football student-athlete and served as one of the team’s captains.
Dr. Hernandez received his medical degree through the Charles R. Drew/UCLA Medical Education Program, a partnership between Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. He completed his residency in physical medicine & rehabilitation at the UCLA/VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, where he served as Chief Resident, before remaining at UCLA to complete his fellowship training in pain medicine.
As a PM&R doctor and pain physician, Dr. Hernandez specializes in diagnosing and treating spine, joint, nerve, and musculoskeletal pain. His comprehensive, evidence-based approach combines conservative therapies with minimally invasive interventional procedures to help patients manage pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
As a former Division I student-athlete, Dr. Hernandez understands the importance of helping patients return to the activities that give their lives meaning, whether that means competing in sports, getting back to work, or simply enjoying everyday life with less pain. He partners closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan focused on reducing pain and restoring function.
Hernandez’s clinical interests include low back pain, neck pain, neuropathic pain, facetogenic pain, arthritic joint pain, and other spine, joint, nerve, and musculoskeletal conditions. His specialized training in interventional pain medicine allows him to provide a range of nonsurgical treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Hernandez enjoys watching football, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and three sons.
