For more than seven decades, Alameda Health System (AHS) has invested in preparing tomorrow’s doctors to care for one of the nation’s most diverse patient populations. This July, 30 new internal medicine residents arrived at the Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus (WCHHC), where they will develop their clinical skills in a collaborative environment grounded in diversity, inclusion and a shared commitment to the patients they serve.
“Residents are the heart of our hospital,” said Alejandro Díaz, MD, program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program and vice chair of internal medicine. “They are an essential part of caring for our patients every day, and through that experience they become the next generation of doctors who will continue serving communities here at AHS and across the country.”
That mission is especially important as demand for primary care physicians continues to grow nationwide. AHS is helping meet that need by preparing doctors who will provide compassionate, high-quality care for diverse patient populations for years to come.
For Díaz, welcoming a new class of residents is especially meaningful. He began his career at AHS as an internal medicine intern in 2012 and has remained with the organization ever since, serving as chief resident, primary care physician, associate medical director of the AHS Human Rights Clinic and associate program director before becoming program director.
Established in 1955, the Internal Medicine Residency Program has prepared generations of physicians now practicing throughout California and across the country. The three-year program combines classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience across AHS, exposing residents to a wide range of medical, cultural and socioeconomic needs.
Each year, medical school graduates from across the country compete for a limited number of residency positions at AHS. Díaz said the Match process is a two-way decision.
“We choose each other,” he said. “Applicants are looking for outstanding clinical education in a place where they can make a difference. They want to care for patients from every walk of life while learning from experienced physicians who are committed to excellence, compassion and service. We’re looking for doctors who share those values and who want to build their skills through direct patient care.”
During their first year, the residents work primarily at WCHHC alongside experienced physicians and multidisciplinary care teams. They gain experience treating a broad range of medical conditions while rotating through specialty clinics, including the Human Rights Clinic at Eastmont Wellness Center.
After their first year, residents continue in internal medicine or pursue subspecialty pathways based on their career interests and long-term goals.
Although each resident brings a different background and career goal, they all chose AHS for the opportunity to grow professionally while caring for one of the nation’s most diverse patient populations.
Meet three members of this year’s class and learn why they chose AHS for residency training.
James Garcia, DO
Internal medicine resident, postgraduate year one (PGY-1)
College of Osteopathic Medicine at William Carey University, Mississippi
Interested in internal medicine or primary care
“I came to Highland because of the diverse patient population and the opportunity to serve a community that needs more physicians, especially in primary care. I knew this was the best place to understand the community’s health needs while gaining the experience to become the kind of internist I hope to be.”
Ida Ramezani, DO
Internal medicine resident, postgraduate year one (PGY-1)
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-California, Vallejo, California
Interested in gastroenterology
“What stood out to me about Highland was its strong sense of community and dedication to caring for Oakland and the surrounding area. From the beginning, I felt patients truly come first, and I knew this was where I wanted to complete my residency.”
Avery Wooten, MD
Internal medicine resident, postgraduate year one (PGY-1)
University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
Interested in anesthesiology
“I chose Highland because of the people. Everywhere I turned, residents talked about building friendships that last a lifetime and finding a strong support system. Combined with the program’s commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities, it felt like a place where I could learn, grow and be part of something meaningful.”
Every July, a new class of residents begins at AHS with a common purpose: to learn, serve others and grow into outstanding physicians. Like Díaz, many graduates go on to build careers caring for patients, leading health care teams and mentoring the next generation of doctors.
Whether they remain at AHS or serve communities across California and throughout the country, they carry forward a tradition of excellence that has shaped lives for more than 70 years.
For more information, visit Graduate Medical Education (GME).