Councilor
Joanne Alonso

As a council member of the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine (AAIM), I would be committed to representing the best interests of all members with a focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. AAIM is an organization that serves a diverse range of internal medicine professionals, including educators, researchers, administrators, and clinicians across various stages of their careers. It is essential to recognize the broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives within the organization to ensure all voices are heard and valued.
My approach to representing AAIM members would center on listening to their needs, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive environment where every member can thrive. I aim to prioritize initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by our community, such as curriculum development, work-life balance, wellness, and equity in academic medicine. I would advocate for policies and programs that enhance professional development, career advancement, and research opportunities for all members, regardless of their role or background.
One of my key future goals is to enhance AAIM’s support for early-career administrative professionals, who may face distinct challenges in navigating academic pathways. I would advocate for mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and resources tailored to the needs of this group. At the same time, I recognize the importance of supporting seasoned faculty and other leaders, ensuring that AAIM provides opportunities for them to continue growing and contributing to their respective field.
To represent the diverse perspectives within AAIM, I would work to ensure that all members—regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or geographic location—are included in decision-making processes and leadership opportunities. This requires not only listening to underrepresented voices but also actively creating avenues for diverse leadership, fostering inclusive initiatives that ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. I would work to build strong relationships with different member groups, ensuring that policies reflect the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that are essential to the organization’s continued success.
Ultimately, my vision for AAIM is one of collaboration, respect, and mutual support—where each member can feel empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise, and where AAIM continues to be a leader in advancing academic internal medicine through innovation, inclusivity, and growth. By prioritizing the collective needs of the membership while ensuring that all voices are represented, we can further strengthen AAIM’s impact on the academic internal medicine community and its mission to improve healthcare education and outcomes.