Our Interview With Dr. Matthew Bauer, Chief Medical Officer at Texas Health Action

Inspira Advantage is proud to interview experts like Dr. Matthew Bauer to help pre-med students understand the importance of culturally responsive care and inclusive support for diverse communities.

What are some of the most common mental health challenges you see among the LGBTQ+ community, and how does The Kind Clinic uniquely address them?

We frequently see patients dealing with mental struggles including depression and anxiety as a result of discrimination in their communities and the lack of access to culturally affirming, stigma-free queer healthcare in Texas. At Kind Clinic, we work every day to combat the discrimination queer patients face in healthcare spaces and in the broader community by creating an environment centered on compassionate, empathetic, and completely patient-focused care.‍

For aspiring healthcare professionals, what would you say they should understand about improving patient outcomes and building trust with clients?

Creating a space in which patients feel seen and heard in their health concerns, and taking their concerns seriously as a healthcare professional, is one of the tried and true ways to not only improve patient outcomes, but also build a trusting doctor-patient relationship. At Kind Clinic, our goal is to bridge the gap between patients who may feel left out by traditional medical practices or face stigma when seeking care.‍

Can you share a success story or impactful case where The Kind Clinic made a significant difference, and what lessons future providers can take from it?

Kind Clinic has made a notable impact through our same-day treatment model. In 2024, we provided over 6,700 STI testing visits, and nearly 40% of those who received a positive diagnosis began treatment that same day. This immediate care not only protected individual health but also helped reduce community transmission. Over 90% of patients chose to continue their care with us, which speaks to the trust we’ve built by offering affirming and accessible services to LGBTQIA+ and other priority communities. For future healthcare providers, it’s important to understand that improving patient outcomes starts with removing barriers to care and creating a compassionate, stigma-free environment where patients feel seen and respected. At Kind Clinic, we strive to ensure every patient feels empowered in their healthcare journey, which in turn builds lasting trust and healthier communities.

Dr. Matthew Bauer is the Chief Medical Officer at Texas Health Action.