Hi David, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2017, I opted to start my own primary care practice devoted to the LGBTQ and general communities in Tampa Bay. I have worked in this field of medicine my entire career. I enjoy the long-term relationships that primary care provides. I can offer combined primary and specialty care for diverse populations, including those with HIV, at risk for HIV and STI’s and who identify as transgender. My hope is to provide an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel comfortable and understood. We are now almost three years into our existence and continuing to grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since officially opening Jan 2018, growth has been slow and steady. Our biggest source of new patients is word of mouth from existing clients who are pleased with their care. One major obstacle to growth has been the prolonged process required to become a provider with the various major health insurance companies. Certainly, the COVID 10 pandemic has changed to nature of the practice as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of Diversity Health Center of Tampa Bay. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We provide combined primary care and specialty care for the LGBTQ and general communities. We are a single practitioner practice that can offer personalized care. We offer treatment for common illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. We also offer specialty care, including HIV medicine, PrEP, STI testing/treatment and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for transgender women and men. We offer on-site lab draws. We communicate with patients via our patient portal (online or smartphone app) and offer telemedicine visits. We strive to make same or next day appointments available for patients with acute concerns. We also offer medical marijuana certification for existing patients.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Offering a practice and bedside manner that allows patients to feel comfortable in discussing concerns unique to the LGBTQ communities with a provider and staff that are non-judgmental and well familiar with addressing these issues.
Contact Info:
- Address: Diversity Health Center of Tampa Bay 4302 N. Habana Ave. Suite 200 Tampa, FL 33607
- Phone: (813)518-0881
- Email: Info@diversityhealthcenter.com
- Website: www.DiversityHealthCenter.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiversityHealthCenterofTampaBay
