Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
Once convinced that a career in health care was out of reach, South Texas College alumna Jessica Alvarez found her calling later in life through STC’s Health Information Technology program and is now a vital contributor to the advancement of cancer treatment and data-driven innovation.
After devoting many years to raising her family, Alvarez, 48, has emerged as an esteemed Oncology Data Specialist, balancing two impactful roles behind the scenes in the medical field where she doesn’t just analyze cancer data, she tracks hope.
“Managing cancer patients’ data was overwhelming at first, I would cry every day, and I still do sometimes,” she said. “But I’ve come to see that a cancer diagnosis isn’t always a death sentence. Many of the patients I follow go on to live full lives. I feel privileged to be part of their journey, translating data from doctors and helping bridge it to the researchers who turn it into progress. What I do matters, and I’m very proud of it.”
From earning her GED diploma at 37 to becoming a quality analyst in cancer registry, her journey proves it’s never too late to change lives.
Originally from Valle Hermoso, Mexico, Alvarez studied engineering despite marrying and becoming a mother at a young age.
After moving to the Rio Grande Valley in 2005, she worked jobs in retail and food service, had her second child, remarried and became a bonus mom to two more children in 2011.
She went on to earn a Patient Care Technician certificate in 2013.
“I always wanted to do something in health care, but when I was young, medical school just wasn’t an option. I love learning about the body, anatomy, physiology, how it all works. I’m an avid learner, but I realized direct care wasn’t for me, so I took another pause,” she said.
Inspired by her sister, who became a cancer tumor registrar, she another chance at a college career, hoping third time was the charm, in the Health Information Program and graduated in 2021.
“I had so much support from my husband, my children and STC. In my first class, an instructor encouraged me by saying, ‘You’re smart enough to become a doctor if you want.’ That inspired me to keep going,” she shared. “At first, I was overwhelmed by the medical terminology and all the privacy and confidentiality laws. But I’m grateful for the foundation STC gave me, because I use that knowledge every day.”
In just two years, she earned certificates in Electronic Health Records and Medical Coding, along with an associate degree in Health Information Technology, meeting all the requirements to become a certified Registered Health Information Technician.
Through the numerous pathways the field offers, she chose to pursue an Oncology Data Specialist certification, honoring the memory of her two sons’ biological mother, who passed away from breast cancer.
“All of us have been affected by this horrible disease in one way or another. My two younger kids lost their mom when she was only 32. She was pregnant with the youngest while undergoing chemotherapy and treatment,” she shared. “Today, I get to help people like her, for whom I’m forever grateful for my two beautiful kids and honor her by helping patients through the small part I play in the vast machine of cancer research and development.”
Since 2022, she has worked with Registry Partners, a national provider of data abstraction, registry management and consulting services, where she was recently promoted to Quality Analyst, supporting nationally-recognized research institutions through advanced data consulting.
In addition, she was hired last year by the Texas Department of State Health Services and was recently promoted to the Program Specialist training team.
She is also an active member of the Texas Oncology Data Association, where she was elected President-Elect in 2024 and serves as Membership Committee Chair.
Equally inspiring, she returns to STC every year during Health Information Professionals Week in April to encourage students to explore the pathways available in the field.
“It’s not just about data and registries, there are so many other paths students can take, like medical coding, auditing, compliance or even research support,” she explained. “I’m fully committed to my path. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that what I do every day has a real impact. And if cancer is cured tomorrow, I’ll move on to help in another way, whether that’s trauma registry, cardiac or stroke. There are so many branches you can explore.”
Interested in deepening her knowledge of medical coding and continuing her passion for cancer research, Alvarez, remains both grateful and excited for where it all began.
“I’m so grateful to STC for everything, from my GED diploma to discovering my purpose. STC is an incredible resource for the RGV, not just for traditional students, but for adult learners like me,” she said. “In just two years, debt-free, I had the opportunity to change my life. It’s not easy, you do have to put in the work, but STC takes care of the rest. I often ask myself, ‘How did I get here?’ It was thanks to STC.”
