In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Alameda Health System (AHS) spotlights Alejandro Díaz, MD, program director, internal medicine residency and vice-chair of internal medicine.
Born and raised in Miami to Cuban working class parents, Dr. Díaz set his sights on being a doctor from an early age. “My grandma worked in a factory making AC vents, my grandfather was a barber, my father a mechanic and my mother a secretary, yet there was no doubt I’d be a doctor,” said Dr. Diaz. “I definitely saw it as something that was attainable. I had some great role models including my pediatrician who was also Cuban and attended medical school in Spain.”
Dr. Díaz chose to study medicine at the Universidad Xochicalo in Mexico and was thrilled that upon graduation he matched with his first choice for residency at AHS.
He began as an intern in 2012 and has made AHS home ever since holding several positions including chief resident, primary care physician, and associate medical director for the AHS Human Rights Clinic before moving into graduate medical education.
“I chose AHS because I remember coming here for my interview and thinking that the community reminded me of where I’m from and I immediately felt at home.” said Dr. Díaz. “There are some differences in that Miami is a little more Caribbean influenced and here the people are primarily from Mexico and Central America but in the end we’re all cousins with similar cultures and a common language.”
Dr. Díaz was also drawn to AHS for the opportunity to serve its largest patient population. “At the time I was one of just a few Latinos recruited and yet I saw this vast community of Hispanic and Latino people in Alameda County but not a lot of Latino doctors like you’ll find in Miami,” he said. “I thought I could go back to Miami and be close to family, or I could come here where I’m really needed.”
The Minority Health Institute (MHI) states that patients are more likely to access medical care and be satisfied with their care when the health care provider shares a cultural connection and speaks the same language.
Dr. Díaz experiences this firsthand at his clinic in adult medicine where he sees some of the same Latino patients he cared for as a resident. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met patients who express a great sense of relief when they know I can speak with them in Spanish because it immediately builds trust,” he said.
He shared that when his patients look at him they see a cousin, uncle or grandson who understands their culture, the types of food they eat and nuances that might otherwise get lost in translation.
As a dedicated physician, Dr. Diaz takes pride in serving the Latino community, understanding that culturally competent care is vital to improving health outcomes. In addition, through his work in the internal medicine residency program he is helping to develop the next generation of providers.
“I love teaching and I love mentoring because mentors played a big role in my career and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of someone’s journey, watch them follow their joy and blossom from a timid intern to a confident, skilled provider doing wonderful things in medicine,” he said.