LGBTQ+ health care in California

Joey Brett, MD, is a board-certified family medicine doctor. Dr. Brett graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. He completed his residency at UCLA-Northridge Medical Center in California. That's also where he completed his internship. His hobbies include fine woodworking and home improvement projects.

Dr. Brett is passionate about whole-person care. He combines advanced healing techniques with understanding and compassion. Dr. Brett chose to be part of the Pride+ Program because he's seen the disparity in medical care for LGBTQ+ patients. He's also heard directly from his LGBTQ+ patients about the challenges they face. Dr. Brett believes in empowering his patients to direct the course of their health care journey.

Cynthia Pike, MD, is a board-certified family medicine doctor. She speaks English and basic Spanish. Dr. Pike earned her medical degree from Texas A&M University in Temple, TX. She completed her internship and residency at UC Irvine Medical Center in California. Dr. Pike likes to teach her patients how to live well. She encourages them to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly and reduce stress. In her free time, Dr. Pike enjoys exploring Los Angeles with her husband.

"I am committed to health equity by treating every patient, family, and community I serve with care and respect, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community whom I have seen receive sub optimal care.

I focus on the whole person, speaking the language of my patients and being conversant with their culture. I provide holistic care that reduces health disparities and gives patients a sense of belonging and purpose."

Van Veloso, MD, is an internal medicine doctor. He speaks English and Spanish. Dr Veloso earned his medical degree from the Creighton University School of Medicine in Nebraska. He completed his internship at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach. That's also where he completed his residency. Dr. Veloso likes knowing that his work can help his patients live happier, healthier lives.

"As a part of the community, I’ve known that the thought of establishing care with a doctor can be fraught with trepidation. Interactions with new people mean opening yourself up to the possibility of microaggressions, outright homophobia and/or ignorance of the community-specific health care needs. The Pride+ Program is a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor of equitable provision of care for a historically underserved demographic.

My approach to care in the Pride+ Program is truly no different than it is for all of my patients — providing care and guidance as if that patient is my family but ensuring that it is with the knowledge and background to serve this community as well as possible."

Dr. Christine Averill is an obstetrician-gynecologist in Mission Hills, California. She received her medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine and completed her residency at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Averill takes a patient-centric approach to her care and is passionate about providing inclusive gynecological care for all patients who identify as LGBTQ+. She has completed the Optum LGBTQ+ Experience program.

Andrew Behesnilian, MD, practices urology. Dr. Behesnilian earned his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine of the University of California, Los Angeles. He completed his internship and residency there as well. Patients appreciate Dr. Behesnilian's good sense of humor, which takes the edge off their medical examinations. Patients appreciate the way that Dr. Behesnilian encourages them to take charge of their well-being through healthy lifestyle choices. In his spare time, Dr. Behesnilian travels the world with his wife, spends time outdoors, plays the piano and cooks. In addition to English, he speaks fluent Armenian. He has completed the Optum LGBTQ+ Experience program.

Victoria Scott, MD, is a urologist. Dr. Scott earned her medical degree from David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed her internship and residency at Ronald Reagan University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center. She chose a career in medicine to help people from underserved communities live healthier lives. Dr. Scott listens to each patient's concerns and works with them to find solutions to their health problems. She has completed the Optum LGBTQ+ Experience program. When she's not caring for her patients, Dr. Scott enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.