It is with deep sorrow that the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville announces the passing of our esteemed physician, colleague, and friend, Dr. Edgar Rene Alvarez. Dr. Alvarez, who devoted three decades to delivering high-quality, compassionate care as a family medicine physician, was deeply loved and respected by both his patients and fellow faculty members.
Born in Bucaramanga, Colombia in 1952, Dr. Alvarez moved to the States in the early 1990s. He joined the University of Florida family as a Family Medicine resident (1991-1994) at what was then University Medical Center, now formally known as the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville.
During his tenure at UF, Dr. Alvarez became a cherished member of the Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, serving in numerous vital roles. Dr. Alvarez acted as the Medical Director for the UF Center for Geriatric Medicine at River Garden (2007-2012); UF Health Family Medicine – Augustine Oaks (2012 – retirement); and Interim Medical Director for UF Health Family Medicine – Crossroads (2014-2016). In addition to those roles, he was also the Chief Attending Physician at the River Garden practice and played a significant role in creating a standardized formal multidisciplinary teaching program for medical students rotating at that location.
He was active in many professional societies including the American Academy of Family Practice and the American Association of Nursing Home Directors.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Alvarez was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 46 years, Liliana, and a loving father to their two sons, Edgar Alvarez, Jr., and Alan Alvarez. In his spare time, he enjoyed photography, tennis, soccer, and computing.
The leadership, faculty, and staff at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville are profoundly grateful for Dr. Alvarez's impact as a leader in medical education, a dynamic physician, and a caring colleague.
A memorial service to honor Dr. Alvarez will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223.