Diego F. Alvarez, M.D., Ph.D., is a clinical professor of physiology within the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. He has pioneered innovative methods for teaching integrated physiology and system-based learning. His instructional ability extends to directing system-based, and integrated biomedical/clinical medicine courses, fostering a comprehensive understanding of physiology integrated into clinical applications.

Alvarez’s research focuses on elucidating mechanisms underlying pulmonary edema. He investigates stress responses in pulmonary endothelial cells and explores pulmonary vascular repair by endothelial progenitor cells. His innovative research has been supported by prominent institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA). More recently his work has involved exposomes and their effects on human health.

Previously, he served as a founding member of undergraduate and graduate health programs, and directed a University Health Care facility, where he was recognized with an “Excellence in Health Care Practice”. He later became the founding chair of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Sam Houston State University in 2019, where he was honored with tenure. He recently spearheaded programs in medical education, including a student-initiated medical skill training series.

With over 15 years of experience, Alvarez is renowned for his teaching abilities, having received multiple accolades including the prestigious "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.

He received his medical degree from La Universidad Libre in Cali, Colombia in 1994. He went on to obtain his Ph.D. in basic medical sciences (physiology) from the University of South Alabama in 2005 and completed his postdoctoral fellowship in 2007 at the University of South Alabama under the mentorship of Dr. Troy Stevens. Alvarez has over 50 peer-reviewed original articles in indexed journals and regularly reports in scientific abstracts presented in professional meetings. A significant motivation for his commitment to the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine lies in his aspiration to address health disparities and understand the impact of environmental factors on public health in Southeast Texas while training the new generation of physicians.