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Biography
Diego F. Alvarez, M.D., Ph.D. - Physiology Leader & Innovator | Advancing Medical Education & Medical Research
Leadership in Action.
I am a newly appointed clinical professor of physiology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. With 30 years of experience in academic settings, my career has been dedicated to developing and leading healthcare and medical educational infrastructures in university environments. As Health and Medical Care Director, I fostered interprofessional programs, leading over twenty professionals and supporting staff while also practicing medicine.
I founded and developed the foundational science department, serving as Chair of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, where I oversaw six faculty members and their supporting staff. My pioneering efforts in curriculum mapping and teaching integrated physiology and system-based learning have enhanced medical education significantly. I excel in directing system-based, cohesive biomedical/clinical medicine courses, promoting a comprehensive understanding of physiology integrated with clinical applications.
Expertise & Research.
My research focuses on elucidating mechanisms underlying pulmonary edema, investigating stress responses in pulmonary endothelial cells, and exploring pulmonary vascular repair by endothelial progenitor cells. My work on stress-induced amyloids and host responses activating inflammasomes has led to the discovery of novel treatment pathways for pulmonary edema and myocardial infarction, with intellectual property products in the pipeline for clinical trials. This innovative research has been supported by prominent institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA). More recently, my work has involved studying exposomes, including how community quality of life affects human health. I have published over fifty peer-reviewed original articles in indexed journals and regularly present scientific abstracts at professional meetings.
Impact & Recognition.
I have received over twenty awards and recognitions, including being a founding member of undergraduate and graduate health programs. As a clinical practitioner, I was recognized with an “Excellence in Health Care Practice” award. For my teaching abilities, I have received multiple accolades, including the "Top Prof Distinguished Member of the University Community" award from the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society and the esteemed "Red Sash Award for Distinguished Faculty" from the University of South Alabama Medical Students. During my tenure at Sam Houston State University, I was honored with tenure and recently received the 2024 “Excellence in Teaching Award” from the student body at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I have mentored over twenty junior faculty, helping them achieve program independence as researchers and progress through the academic promotion and tenure ladder. I have been recognized by my peers and contributed to serving as a study section reviewer for the NIH, a member of the editorial board for two medical journals and serving in leadership roles at The American Physiological Society (APS), and The American Thoracic Society (ATS).
Educational background.
I earned my medical degree from La Universidad Libre in Cali, Colombia in 1994 and my Ph.D. in basic medical sciences (physiology) from the University of South Alabama in 2005 under the mentorship of Mary Townsley and Aubrey Taylor. I completed my postdoctoral fellowship in 2007 at the University of South Alabama under the mentorship of Dr. Troy Stevens.
Looking Forward.
In my current role, I am committed to developing scholarly infrastructure to address health disparities and understand the impact of environmental factors (exposomes) on public health in Southeast Texas while training the next generation of physicians.
For 30 years, I have served as a visionary leader in medical education and scientific discovery. As a Clinical Professor of Physiology at Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine I am enthusiastic about fostering a comprehensive understanding of physiology for future healthcare professionals.
Activities
Employment (4)
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0835134N
0315049B
Works (50 of 58)
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