Spectrum Medical Expands!

Provider and Leadership Teams

Spectrum Medical Care Center is poised for expanded patient services with the recent addition of key staff to its Phoenix clinic: 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 their 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,” said Brandi Garlutzo, Interim Executive Director. “We’re excited to add these members to our team. Each embodies Spectrum’s passion and dedication to serving our LGBTQ+ community.”

AAHIVM Specialist 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 previously the HIV Medical Director of a Bakersfield, California FQHC, 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 California’s Central Valley.

“It’s a true honor to join this team,” said Rodriguez-Garcia. “I was drawn to Spectrum because of their dedication to serving and improving access to competent medical care among the LGBTQ+ community and our shared goal of improving HIV care and prevention for all Arizonans.”

Kravitz, an AAHIVM Specialist, received his Master of Science in Nursing from 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. He previously worked as an RN on a surgical/trauma progressive care unit in Columbus, Ohio. Kravtiz 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 live authentic, healthy lives,” said Kravitz. “I think there is something mutually healing for both patient and provider about being from the same community. I’m excited to be part of an organization that’s meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ people.”

Avila found his passion to serve the Phoenix community during his tenure at Bank of America. Realizing his passion to serve, he made the transition into the nonprofit sector in 2016, working for Phoenix Pride producing Valley LGBTQ+ cultural celebration events. Avila also worked for Aunt Rita’s Foundation, utilizing his passion and skills to educate the community about the importance of HIV treatment, U=U, and prevention to help eliminate the stigma around HIV.

“Having worked in both the HIV field and LGBTQ+ community, I viewed this position 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 is exciting because it means I can advocate for the uniqueness of LGBTQ+ healthcare and let our community know Spectrum is prepared to meet their needs.

Alfredson brings a broad experiential background in customer service and healthcare to Spectrum. Hailing from northern Minnesota, Alfredson earned her Master’s Degree in Management from Duluth, Minnesota’s College of Saint Scholastica. In her new role, Alfredson will strive to provide premier patient experiences by hiring and training empathetic, patient and compassionate team members. Under her leadership, Spectrum’s customer service team, familiar with the distinctive needs of LGBTQ+ patients, will help build trustworthy relationships with patients and ensure continued visits for needed care.

“It’s Spectrum’s mission that attracted me to the position,” said Alfredson. “When I met team members during the interview process, their genuine care for others was evident.”