Manuel Alvarez, M.D.

Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Manuel Alvarez has been Chairperson of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hackensack University Medical Center since 1996. Following residency training in anesthesiology, obstetrics and gynecology, maternal fetal medicine and critical care medicine, Dr. Alvarez found his passion in providing obstetrical care to women. First, as Director of Obstetrical Services and Vice Chairperson at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and currently as the Chairperson of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hackensack University Medical Center, Dr. Alvarez found his principle focus to providing women with the highest quality of medical care and to see that the care is rendered in a safe and efficient manner. Dr. Alvarez stays committed to his principle focus by providing care to thousands of patients annually regardless of their ability to pay.

Under Dr. Alvarez’s direction the department has developed the Surgical Center for Abnormal Placentation caring for patients with the most delicate and complicated surgical procedures in obstetrics where the patient’s placenta is not only invading into the uterus but also adjacent pelvic organs, especially the bladder. Obstetrical hemorrhage is the leading cause of death worldwide and remains to be on the incline in the United States due to this condition. Dr. Alvarez along with his physician colleagues are first in the tri-state area to implement the Gauss Triton System for Quantitative Blood Loss (QBL) which is a key metric and patient safety initiative to provide a most precise measure of blood loss. Under his leadership the department has developed a robust research division, publishing many peer review articles in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The department consists of three divisions: Maternal Fetal Medicine, Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Dr. Alvarez along with his team has re-organized the structure of the Residency and Fellowship Programs. These educational programs are now provided and supported through a centralized administrative structure, allowing for uniform compliance with all the regulatory elements of the RRC and ACGME. In April 2018, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology was approved by the ACGME for its 1st Residency Program at Hackensack University Medical Center with the commencement of its 1st intern class in July 2019.

When Dr. Alvarez assumed his role as Chairperson in 1996, he inherited an obstetrical service that delivered less than 3,000 babies per annum with very little infrastructure for dealing with complex medical complications of pregnancy. Today, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology under Dr. Alvarez’s direction, is one of the busiest obstetrical centers in the tristate area. Delivering more than 6,400 babies annually with a multi-disciplinary perinatology division that can provide safe and efficient care to women with the most complex medical and obstetrical complications. The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology is part of Hackensack Meridian Health comprising of 13 hospitals, physician practices, more than 120 ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care and after hours centers.