Historically, LGBTQ people are one of the most medically underserved communities in South Texas. Our goal each day is to assure quality and competent health care is available for all. AARC contracts with LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly physicians and clinicians who are culturally sensitive and representative of the communities served. In addition to primary medical care, AARC Health Equity Clinic staff offers HIV specialty care, gender affirming care, PrEP and PEP and patient navigation services for LGBTQ patients and allies.
Services
LGBTQ PRIMARY CARE
Inclusive primary care provided by LGBTQ Specialists.
HIV Speciality Care
Receive medical care by one of our leading providers.
Transgender Health Care
Expert care for transgender, non-binary, intersex and other gender expansive people.
PrEP and PEP Prescription
Advanced medication that prevents HIV.
On-Site Labs
State-of-the-art medical tests conveniently located on-site.
On-Site Pharmacy
Pharmacy staff dedicated to help you achieve your health care goals.
Meet Our Providers
Dr. Chase Cates, DO, MPH, AAHIVS
Medical Director Physician - LGBTQ Healthcare, HIV, Internal Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay out-of-pocket?
Yes, we do offer self pay options. Please contact our billing department for pricing at 210-625-7228 or email alfrede@aarcsa.com
What if I do not have insurance and cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket?
For unisured LGBTQ primary care we suggest scheduling an appointment with our partner clinic, Pride Community Clinic. They offer free medical care. Reach them at (210) 570-7318. You will reach a voicemail, leave your name and number and someone will return your call within 48 hours. The clinic is held at our location the first and third Wednesday of the month, 5pm-9pm.
Dr. Chase Cates, DO, MPH, AAHIVS
Medical Director Physician – LGBTQ Healthcare, HIV, Internal Medicine
Dr. Chase Cates grew up as a closeted kid in Dallas, TX. Seeing the consistent discrimination of LGBTQ people faced kept him in the closet until medical school.
He obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology from San Angelo, TX, and a Masters Degree in Public Health in College Station. TX. He studied in Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill for medical school, and completed his clinical rotations in Elmira, NY. During this time, he was on an away rotation at an HIV clinic in Dallas that ignited his passion to help this demographic. After finishing medical school, he did his residency in Internal Medicine in Searcy, AR.
While in Arkansas, he witnesses the discrimination LGBTQ people face in healthcare firsthand. He experienced hate for being engaged to his partner. He had nurses make comments behind his back. He was at his limits with these abuses and did what he could and educated my peers around him. He presented several lectures regarding LGBTQ health issues, so others were aware of what people faced. This led him to be the first to complete a fellowship in LGBTQ Healthcare and HIV at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). He is prepared to take what he has learned to provide care for his community in the south, where he feels it is desperately needed. He is proud and excited to be joining AARC in providing that care.
Dr. Manuel Endo Carvajal, MD
Physician, Infectious Diseases
Dr, Endo was awarded his Doctorate in Medicine from Universidad Libre in Cali, Colombia. He did his social service training transferring critically ill patients from isolated communities in the Colombian pacific coast to high-complexity medical centers located in the most important cities of Colombia. Subsequently, he completed his Residency in Internal Medicine and Fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Endo has a special interest in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases of patients living with HIV, gender-affirming therapy, and penicillin allergy. Dr. Endo is a very physically active physician; he enjoys playing competitive soccer and working out at the gym as he believes doctors should be role models of cardiovascular fitness for patients.
Dr. Endo looks forward to providing excellent care to the AARC community.
Tanya Clark Perez PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant
A native of El Paso, Texas, joined the clinic in 2017. She attended the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and obtained a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. PA Perez completed her undergraduate degree in microbiology at the University of Texas at El Paso and later a post-baccalaureate program in Clinical Laboratory Sciences at UTHSCSA.
She has practiced internal medicine for seven years and has a special interest in preventative care and the role it plays in her patient’s health and wellness. PA Perez focuses on patient education to help patients achieve the quality of life that they desire. She is fluent in English and Spanish. Tanya is also an HIV Prevention Certified Provider.
Lauren B. Flores, APRN, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
NP Flores has been in the healthcare field since 2007. Her journey began as a pharmacy technician, then she received her bachelor’s degree to practice as a registered nurse, and ultimately earned her master’s degree and certification to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She started pursuing a career in medicine after helping care for her grandparents, which were experiences that made her realize her purpose and passion in life was to continue to care for others. NP Flores’ vast experience as a nurse practitioner in the fields of Geriatrics, Primary Care, Neurology, Palliative Medicine/Hospice, and Hepatology have given her a strong foundation of skills and knowledge. She continues to broaden her knowledge as she currently works in an Infectious Disease clinic with UT Health San Antonio.
NP Flores is an active member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She aims to bring a wholistic care approach and make her patients feel comfortable to discuss any concern while at Alamo Area Resource Center. When NP Flores is not working, she is likely running after her favorite little man, her toddler named Zachary.
Julie Graves, MD, MPH, PhD, AAHIVS
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AAHIVS is a family medicine and public health physician. She received her undergraduate degree from Rice University, her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, and her MPH and PhD from the University of Texas School of Public Health. She completed a family medicine residency at St. Paul Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Graves has cared for people with and at risk for HIV/STI since 1983, has included gender-affirming care in her practice throughout her career, and has extensive experience in telehealth.