PHOENIX (April 26, 2023) – Spectrum Medical Care Center is poised for expanded patient services with the addition of key staff to its Phoenix clinic. Spectrum recently added Medical Director, Jose Rodriguez-Garcia, M.D.; Family Nurse Practitioner, Ari Kravitz; Director of Community Relations, Victor E. Avila, and Customer Service Director, Alecia Alfredson. The move is a testament to a whole person approach to healthcare services including primary care, preventative care, HIV care, PrEP, PEP and STI testing.
“We could not provide compassionate and comprehensive care for our patients without an outstanding team across the board,” said Brandi Garlutzo, Senior Director of Finance and Compliance and Interim Executive Director. “We are so excited to add Dr. Rodriguez, Ari, Victor and Alecia to our team. Each of them embodies Spectrum’s passion and dedication to serving the Valley’s LGBTQ+ community.”
Dr. Rodriguez-Garcia attended medical school at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in Mexico and completed his Family Medicine Residency at Riverside University Health System. He was actively involved in HIV care and obtained the AAHIVM specialist certification during residency. He was previously the HIV Medical Director of a FQHC in Bakersfield, Calif., where he implemented numerous programs, including long-injectable treatment for HIV, rapid linkage to care for newly diagnosed HIV patients and increasing PrEP services throughout the Central Valley of California.
“It’s a true honor to join the team at Spectrum Medical,” said Rodriguez-Garcia. “I was drawn to Spectrum Medical because of the organization’s dedication to serving the LGBTQ+ community and our shared goal of improving HIV care and prevention for all Arizonans, as well as improving access to competent medical care among LGBTQ+ communities across the state,” he added.
Ari Kravitz received his Master of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Public Health, he was motivated to enter the nursing field by his own experiences with gender transition and community advocacy. Before completing his NP, he worked as an RN on a surgical/trauma progressive care unit in Columbus, Ohio. Kravtiz recently received his AAHIVM Specialist certification and specializes in gender affirming care, PrEP, PEP, and general medicine.
“I came out as a queer trans man during undergrad and wanted to become a provider to support other LGBTQ+ people to live authentic, healthy lives,” said Kravitz. “I think there is something mutually healing for both patient and provider about being from the same community, and I’m excited to be part of an organization that’s meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ people.”
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Victor E. Avila found his passion to serve the Phoenix community during his tenure at Bank of America, where he volunteered for several causes. Realizing his passion to serve, he made the transition into the nonprofit sector in 2016, where he worked for Phoenix Pride with responsibilities for producing the LGBTQ+ cultural celebration events in the Valley. Avila has also worked for Aunt Rita’s Foundation where he utilized his passion and skills to educate the community about the importance of HIV treatment and prevention, as well as the important message of U=U to help eliminate the stigma around HIV.
“Having worked in the HIV field as well as in the LGBTQ+ community, I viewed this position with Spectrum as an opportunity to work with two communities that mean so much to me,” said Avila. “Being able to bring my skill set to this team of professionals is exciting because it means I can advocate for the uniqueness of LGBTQ+ healthcare and let our community know that Spectrum Medical is prepared to meet their needs.”
Alecia Alfredson brings a broad experiential background in customer service and healthcare to Spectrum Medical. Hailing from northern Minnesota, Alfredson earned her Master’s Degree in Management from the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota.
In her new role at Spectrum Medical, Alfredson will strive to provide premier patient experiences by hiring and training team members who are empathetic, patient, and compassionate with excellent listening and communication skills. Under her leadership, the Spectrum Medical customer service team, who are familiar with the distinctive needs of LGBTQ+ patients, will help to build trustworthy relationships with patients and ensure continued visits to the clinic for the care they need.
“It’s Spectrum Medical’s mission that attracted me to the position,” said Alfredson. “When I met team members during the interview process, it was evident they were caring about others and internal-customer centric. I knew immediately this was the place for me.”
