GLOVERSVILLE, NY (05/07/2015)(readMedia)-- Nathan Littauer Hospital is proud to announce Luz F. Alvarez, M.D. has joined the Gastroenterology Specialists of Littauer. Alvarez is an established gastroenterologist with a dedicated practice in this region and nearly three decades of medical experience.

"Dr. Alverez has a thriving practice and we were more than willing to help her migrate that practice to the new center we developed and customized to her clinical needs," said Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer's President and CEO. "As CEO, it is especially satisfying to know we will have thousands of new patients that will now be a part of Littauer Health Services."

"I am excited to join Littauer and I am happy to bring my practice here," claims Dr. Alvarez.

Dr. Alvarez is combining forces with Dr. Kamini Ramani who also has a firmly established and well respected medical practice, and Dr. Hamid Azizur Rehman, whom she has worked closely with for 25 years. The three Littauer doctors together create the region's most highly respected force in gastroenterology, armed with the latest state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

"Joining Littauer was a very smooth transition for me and my practice," said Alvarez. "I am able to work with a well-recognized team, and bring my services to the Littauer community."

Dr. Alvarez was born in Colombia, and came to the United States when she was 14 years-old. She knew she wanted to be a doctor since childhood.

"I was told as a child to be a nurse - women are not meant to be doctors" said Dr. Alvarez. "Perhaps that is why I have always strived so hard to be the best at what I do.

"She completed her undergraduate education at SUNY New Paltz in three years then continued medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse at where she fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a doctor. She completed her residency and a GI fellowship at Albany Medical College and has been in private practice since 1990.

"What is most gratifying to me is working directly with my patients. I enjoy getting to know them," said Alvarez.

You will find Dr. Alvarez's offices at Littauer's Gastroenterology Primary/Specialty Center, 135 County Highway 128, Johnstown, (also known as 434 So. Kingsboro Ave. Extension next to Cataract Care Center and Mohawk Valley Orthopedics).

"I am looking forward to working in the new and complete outpatient endoscopy center," touted Dr. Alvarez. "My patients can now be seen, be pretested, and undergo their procedure all at the same site. With this new seamless process, there will be no delays, and in most cases no lines and no use for a different facility. I think it will create a much more comfortable process for patients."

An entirely new gastroenterology suite was developed at Litttauer's Johnstown Surgery Center on So. Kingsboro Ave. for Dr. Alvarez. The 1458 square foot suite houses three exam rooms, one procedure room, two offices, two restrooms, and a new reception area. The office is adjacent to the completely refurbished Endoscopy Center with a reception area, three operating rooms; sterilization equipment, a multiple patient bay recovery room, exam rooms, and the most complete state-of-the art technology and equipment for all procedures.

Dr. Alvarez notes the transition for her existing patients is going to be a very comfortable process, as she is happy to say her staff has joined her at Littauer.

"I am excited to bring to my new center many of the same people I have worked with for the past 25 years. People from the front desk, to nurses, and gastroenterology technicians have been with my practice. Patients will have a very easy transition with all the familiar faces they have gotten to know and trust over the years," said Alvarez.

Alvarez went on to say; "In addition to the new center, I am thrilled to be working with such a brilliant team of gastroenterologists. I have worked in collaboration with Dr. Ramani and Dr. Rehman for the past 25 years. As a team we can offer wonderful, quality patient care with complete coverage and service to this area."

Colorectal cancer - which can be detected and treated by gastroenterologists, is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. Regularly scheduled screenings are highly recommended. People with any type of digestive orders are encouraged to schedule a consultation or appointment with Dr. Alvarez by calling (518) 752-5275.

Nathan Littauer Hospital serves Fulton, Montgomery, and Hamilton Counties in Upstate New York with a full-service 74-bed acute care hospital, nine primary care centers, a nursing home and a community education center. The hospital was founded in 1894, has 1,000 employees and regularly hosting ground-breaking spine surgeries. Nathan Littauer continues to offer the latest in diagnostic imaging including a new MRI suite. For more information please visit www.nlh.org.

Posted Thursday May 07, 2015 at 05:28 pm by Nathan Littauer Hospital
Last Updated Friday May 08, 2015 at 11:44 am