Los Angeles LBGTQ+ clinic scrambling to seek out new physician – NBC Los Angeles

A Los Angeles LGBTQ+ well being clinic is scrambling to discover a new physician after its 36-year-old founder out of the blue died in early July.

Below the mission assertion “queer based, mission obsessed, Haven Well being has been primarily caring for the LGBTQ+ group since Dr. Jack O’Brien helped set up the clinic in January 2026.

“He thought everybody deserved the very best and he wished to verify they received it,” Judy O’Brien, the late physician’s mom, stated. “It’s such a horrible tragedy as a result of I all the time say he was on the cusp of greatness.”

His colleagues at Haven Well being stated they’re in a race towards the clock, to maintain his imaginative and prescient alive and enterprise afloat. As a result of all medical clinics are legally required to be owned by a doctor, Haven Well being is in a race towards the lock to discover a new physician proprietor.

“We’re a small observe, so we solely have one doctor,” Mike Piscadlo, co-founder of Haven Well being, stated. “We do have a tremendous doctor assistant Jake Collins, however he isn’t a doctor, so he can’t be the proprietor of these shares.”

When O’Brien died, the clinic needed to cease the operations. It is now elevating cash on-line to maintain the doorways open whereas trying to find a brand new doctor.

“Once you speak to different queer folks, when they’re able to be with a queer supplier, it creates phycological security,” Piscadlo stated. “It permits them to be clear about what they’re going by with out concern of judgement or refusal of care.”

O’Brien’s household and buddies stated that the late physician was all the time there for his group.

“The ironic factor now’s Haven Well being wants the group’s assist,” John O’Briend, the deceased physician’s father, stated.

Family and friends deliberate a memorial service for Dr. O Brien early subsequent week. His reason for dying was not disclosed.