Araceli Serna, RN

Laredo’s population faces profound challenges, including poverty, limited healthcare access, immigration-related obstacles, and language barriers that contribute to stark health disparities. Araceli’s leadership embodies a deep understanding of these social determinants of health. She approaches each patient with empathy and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that their unique circumstances are honored and addressed in her care strategies.

Under Araceli’s guidance, the dialysis facility she leads consistently ranks among the top 10% nationwide for patient quality outcomes—a testament to her skillful management and unwavering commitment to excellence. More importantly, she fosters a culture where equity is central, empowering her nursing staff to engage with patients holistically. This comprehensive approach not only addresses clinical needs but also prioritizes education, trust-building, and empowerment to mitigate the broader factors that impact health outcomes.

One of Araceli’s most significant achievements is her success in facilitating kidney transplant referrals for over 20% of her patients—an extraordinary accomplishment given the socioeconomic and systemic hurdles her patients face. She actively works to dismantle barriers such as transportation difficulties, limited health literacy, and legal documentation issues by creating accessible pathways and advocating on behalf of her patients. Her collaboration with transplant centers and ongoing patient and family education exemplify her commitment to equitable care and health justice.