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John J. Alvarez, M.D.
Gastroenterologist
About John J. Alvarez, M.D.
He began his journey into medicine while pursuing his undergraduate degree. He had the opportunity to shadow internists at Thomason Hospital in El Paso, TX, and he was amazed by their ability to diagnose and treat complex diseases. After that experience, he felt there was no other career path that would be more satisfying than that of a physician. He chose gastroenterology because it requires a strong background in Internal Medicine as well as a surgical understanding of the human body.
Dr. Alvarez graduated from Trinity University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, followed by a Master’s degree in Public Health from the UT Houston School of Public Health. He next attended medical school at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Medicine, where he also completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Alvarez received specialty training at Baylor Scott & White, and he worked with an innovator and specialist in the field of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). That training has helped him to establish himself as a gastroenterologist in San Antonio.
Although all aspects of gastrointestinal disease fascinate Dr. Alvarez, he is especially interested in pancreatic and biliary diseases. Because of his specialized training, Dr. Alvarez has the advantage of diagnosing and treating a wide range of pancreatic and biliary diseases. Endoscopic ultrasound is a great tool that allows him to view, evaluate, and biopsy organs and benign or malignant tumors, both within and outside of the gastrointestinal tract. The use of endoscopic ultrasound in combination with ERCP has decreased the need for ERCP as a diagnostic tool over time, thus minimizing the associated risk of performing this particular procedure.
When he’s not working, Dr. Alvarez enjoys many different types of exercise, including weight lifting, golf, basketball, tennis, snowboarding, and riding his mountain bike. He also likes to listen to live music.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX
Master of Public Health, University of Texas Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX
Doctor of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Medicine San Antonio, TX
Internship, Residency in Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
Fellowship, Gastroenterology Baylor Scott and White Health Central Texas, Killeen, TX
Memberships/Affiliations
Officer and member, Gastrointestinal Interest Group (2011-2012)
Vice President, Latino Medical Student Association(2009)
Member, American Medical Association
Member, American College of Gastroenterology
Member, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Locations
San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates: San Antonio – Medical Center
View LocationRequest AppointmentReviews
Dr. Alvarez is an outstanding doctor who genuinely listens to his patients’ concerns. He is honest about treatment options and ensures that patients fully understand their choices. I felt very satisfied with my visit and would highly recommend him to anyone experiencing gastrointestinal issues or simply needing a check-up. His professionalism and patient-centered approach make him an excellent choice for medical care.
Dr. Alvarez is an excellent Dr and visit. I had seen another GI doctor for 6 months and was not diagnosed properly and prevented by the office from getting a second opinion. Dr. Alvarez knew what I had in 3 minutes no exaggeration. Treatment is not finished but vastly improved in 6 days with medication. Highly highly recommend seeing him for any GI reason!!
Dr Alvarez is efficient friendly and took Good care of me.
Excellent care -- Treatment was top notch -- Comfortable experience
Dr Alvarez is very professional and provides excellent medical feedback.
Dr Alvarez and his team are so efficient, courteous and overall awesome! They are always prompt and effective communicators every step of the way. I will always go back. Thank you!
All went well with the procedure, staff was very kind and thorough. My only complaint is the Dr was supposed to talk to me before I was discharged, but I never saw him after the procedure and be fore I was discharged.
Terrific staff, easy to get in touch with, and Dr Alvarez is excellent, professional and friendly.
My second time. They make it so nice you almost don’t want to leave. Very professional and extremely great staff.
I had a Gastric Empty Scan (GES) on Wednesday 8 Jan 2025 and the procedure went well at the Northwest Imaging Center. My EGD/colonoscopy is a month later and then two weeks after the procedure I have a follow up with the doctor to find out my symptoms and a way forward. I am coping with my gastric symptoms and I wish there was a better system in place to find a resolution instead of waiting for two months or more to see the doctor
Dr Alvarez was very professional and answer all my questions explain all I ask
Dr Alvarez was very professional and answer all my questions explain all I ask
Was very thorough in reviewing my parents complex case. Appreciated his time in answering questions.
Terrific staff, easy to get in touch with, and Dr Alvarez is excellent, professional and friendly.
Very good visit! Dr. Alvarez is a good and very caring doctor. Staff - friendly and professional.
This was the best experience I had with an EDG procedure! The entire staff was very informative and a pleasure to have!
Dr. Alvarez makes me feel at ease. I have complete trust in him
He is very kind and good listener.
He’s got a great personality and he’s very knowledgeable about his job. You can tell that he is also very concerned about the patient’s well-being. He is going to keep working it until he finds out what’s causing the problem. I wish there was more doctors like him.
Dr. Alvarez is very kind, and his attitude fosters an atmosphere of trust. Given the type of procedure, this is essential. He was precise and correct in performing the colonoscopy. I did not suffer from any pain or discomfort afterwards. Thank you Dr. Alvarez for your first words when I woke up, which were… “You do not have cancer”… words that brightened my awakening. He is the man👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻