A Collaborative and Trauma-Informed Approach to Medical Care

Guest blog by Nasser Mohamed, MD

As a somatic therapist and licensed professional clinical counselor here in San Francisco, I am always looking for colleagues that I can trust with my clients’ care. It is one thing to be good at providing medical care and it is another to have the compassion and bedside manner to help patients that have experienced psychological trauma. Many of these clients need time and empathy to be able to talk about that trauma and how that trauma affects their entire lives, including their physical well-being. I am lucky to have a colleague, Dr. Nasser Mohammed, who has both the expertise and the empathy to provide quality medical care to the clients that I am privileged to work with. Whether it is working in HIV prevention or serving the greater LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Nas takes great pride in making sure his patients feel seen and heard and attending to their medical needs. Please read on to find out more about Dr. Nas and his approach to healing.

How long have you been working as a primary care physician for people in San Francisco?
I’ve been practicing in San Francisco since 2015 and it’s been one of the greatest privileges of my life. This city holds so many rich, resilient, and diverse communities — and I’ve focused my work on building a true sanctuary for  individuals seeking affirming, personalized healthcare.

Who are your favorite types of clients or patients to work with?
I’m drawn to working with people who want a relationship with their doctor — not just a transactional visit. I love caring for individuals who value collaboration, authenticity, and building a long-term connection. Many of my patients come from marginalized backgrounds or have navigated healthcare systems where they didn’t feel seen. I’m here to change that experience — to meet people where they are, without judgment, and advocate fiercely for their well-being.

What can a client expect to leave with after working with you?
When you become a private client at Osra Medical, you’re gaining much more than a doctor — you’re gaining a partner in your health journey. My clients leave each interaction knowing they have someone in their corner who will navigate the system alongside them, respect their full identity, and prioritize their dignity. Whether it’s preventive care, chronic illness management, or navigating complex systems like HIV prevention, my goal is that every client feels empowered, protected, and deeply understood.

What inspired you to start a private practice focusing on HIV treatment and prevention and serving the LGBTQ population?
I grew up in an environment where being LGBTQ+ was criminalized — and that experience shaped my entire approach to medicine. I know firsthand how essential safe, affirming care is for survival and thriving. Starting Osra Medical was my way of creating the kind of space I wish I had seen earlier in my own life: where care is trauma-informed, culturally competent, proactive, and deeply respectful of the unique challenges LGBTQ+ people face. HIV prevention and treatment are just one aspect of that — but they symbolize something bigger: taking control of your health story.

What have been some of the best parts of doing advocacy work for the LGBTQ population and teaching about sexual health?
The best part, hands down, is witnessing people reclaim their narratives. Whether it's helping someone start PrEP who never thought it was for them, or speaking at conferences about dismantling stigma in healthcare, advocacy keeps me rooted in why I do this work. I get to see communities step into their power — and I get to use my platform to fight for healthcare systems that recognize our full humanity.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced when starting your practice?
Starting a private practice — especially one centered on marginalized communities — is a leap of faith. The biggest challenges were navigating the financial side while staying true to my mission. It's one thing to offer exceptional care; it's another to sustain a business model that isn’t subsidized by large institutions. But every time a client tells me they feel safe for the first time with a doctor, I know I made the right choice.

What kind of treatments do you provide?
Osra Medical offers full-spectrum primary care, preventive medicine, HIV treatment and prevention (including innovative options like long-acting injectable PrEP), gender-affirming care, sexual health services, and personalized wellness strategies. Because I work on a concierge model, care is customized — meaning we’re not rushing through checklists; we’re actually building your care around you.

Do you have a specific approach when working with people who have experienced trauma?
Absolutely. Trauma is not something I see as a side note; it’s something I actively account for in every interaction. My approach is grounded in trauma-informed care principles: safety, transparency, collaboration, empowerment, and choice. You’ll never be rushed, judged, or pressured. I meet people where they are — and we move forward at a pace that honors their experiences.

What happens during a first appointment with you?
Before a client even walks into the office, my team and I carefully review and summarize all of their previous medical records — so we come prepared to truly meet them where they are. The first visit itself is a deep, meaningful conversation, not a rushed checklist. I typically spend 2–3 hours with my clients during this first meeting. We talk about their story — where they’ve come from, where they are now, and what challenges they might be facing, whether medically, socially, with access to care, or related to mental health. Together, we create a personalized plan that’s rooted in their real life and goals, not just medical guidelines. It’s about building trust, understanding the whole person, and mapping out how we can help them succeed in their own story.

What do you wish more people knew about accessing appropriate medical care?
I wish more people knew that you deserve more than "good enough" healthcare. You deserve to be seen, heard, and cared for in a way that honors your full identity. Healthcare isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving. And you have every right to seek out providers and spaces where your dignity is protected fiercely against corporate benefit.

How can people learn more and contact you?
The easiest way is to visit www.osramedical.com. There, you can learn more about the practice, request a consultation, or explore how concierge medicine might be the right fit for you. Anyone interested in meeting me to ask questions can book a complementary 10 min call.

You can also follow along on social media (@osramedical) where we share updates, reflections, and health education that’s rooted in community care.

What's one fun thing about you that most people don't know?
Most people don’t know that when I’m not working, I’m a big lover of creative projects — from fashion to advocacy art to storytelling. I believe activism can show up in many beautiful forms — and blending creativity with advocacy brings me a lot of joy. I currently serve on the board of San Francisco Pride and will be hosting the official kickoff event, a fashion show, called “Thread of Pride”.  Attaching a photo of me from the 2024 pride celebration as a photo can tell a thousand words! 

What's one fun thing about you that most people don't know?

Most people don’t know that when I’m not working, I’m a big lover of creative projects — from fashion to advocacy art to storytelling. I believe activism can show up in many beautiful forms — and blending creativity with advocacy brings me a lot of joy. I currently serve on the board of San Francisco Pride and will be hosting the official kickoff event, a fashion show, called “Thread of Pride”.  Attaching a photo of me from the 2024 pride celebration as a photo can tell a thousand words!