Elections: AIM

Candidates

President-Elect

Serena Loya, MS-HAIL 

Serena Loya, MS-HAILI am honored to present myself as a candidate for the presidency position, and I would be privileged to represent the diverse and dynamic membership of the Alliance. Throughout my career, I have consistently focused on fostering inclusive environments, building bridges across various institutional and community groups, and advocating for change. My experiences, both personal and professional, position me well to advocate for AIM members and bring a broad perspective to the work of the council. For the past 7 years, I have held various roles and served on many committees and cross-council workgroups.

I have been an employee of UC San Francisco for over 16 years. I am currently the Division Manager for Nephrology at UC San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, where I work within a multidisciplinary team focused on education, patient care, and research. My work has allowed me to collaborate with individuals from a wide array of educational backgrounds, career stages, and perspectives, including faculty, administration, staff, and learners. Prior to this role, I was the department administrator for Medicine at UCSF Fresno.

I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups within higher education and beyond. I have worked to ensure that voices from all backgrounds are heard and valued. I believe that representation matters deeply in decision-making processes. I am committed to elevating voices, and I will ensure that our work as a council actively reflects the diverse needs and experiences of our community.

Looking ahead, I aim to build on the council's ongoing initiatives to create a more inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment. My goal is to ensure that our efforts not only address immediate challenges but also lay the foundation for sustainable change that benefits all members. Whether advocating for changes in policy, supporting professional development for individuals at all career stages, or ensuring that our programs are equitable and accessible, I am committed to making the Alliance a space where every member can thrive.

In addition to my professional expertise, I bring strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. I approach challenges with an open mind and work diligently to find solutions that reflect the perspectives and experiences within our community. I am confident that my unique background, combined with my commitment to advocacy and action, makes me an ideal candidate to represent the interests and contribute meaningfully to the future direction of the Alliance.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to work together. 

Councilor

Joanne Alonso

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.