Eddie Flores, M.D.

Eddie Flores, M.D. completed his undergraduate at Harvard College. He then went on to achieve his Medical Doctorate at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. However, it was long before medical school that Dr. Flores realized he wanted to be a doctor. He recounts, “Medicine was always part of my home life, growing up. My mother was a nurse. I observed patient care firsthand and knew that was what I wanted to do.”

When it was time to select a sub specialty, Dr. Flores accepted a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. There he was soon drawn in by the challenges it presented, as well as the diversity it offered, “[Gastroenterologists] get to deal with people of all ages, patients in early or advanced stages of disease… we have the opportunity to make an impact, a real difference in someone’s life.”

However, what really keeps Dr. Flores interested in medicine isn’t just his field of study, but it is also working one on one with each patient He helps his patients see that they can take control of their health, and then tells them how. Dr. Flores said “When people struggle with their health, it can be very scary.” He relates, “They need someone to put their trust in, who can work with them and for them to find a solution. There are no ‘hard and fast rules’ in medicine. The solution is often unique to each individual and as doctors, we get to teach patients how to be part of that solution.”

Dr. Flores does not limit his teaching to just his patients either. He is also a clinical adjunct professor at University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions. In addition to teaching and his practice, Dr. Flores is currently a partner physician of SAGA, which is San Antonio’s longest-standing GI group. SAGA has expanded their practice to include three endoscopy centers as well as a clinical research branch.

When asked what he loves most about his job, he says, “Helping people with prevention. We have been part of a movement that has given many people back their lives – colon cancer rates have dropped in the last 10 years. People are getting the message that a colonoscopy (screening for colon cancer) is not just important, but a must-do.”