Modern Medicine In NJ: Virtua Pride Primary Care For LGBTQ+ Community

MARLTON, NJ — Virtua Pride Primary Care, a new practice designed specifically for LGBTQ+ adults and children aged 7 years and older, is scheduled to open its doors on Monday, Virtua Health System said.

"This practice will provide a safe and affirming space to receive primary care for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their families and allies," Sam Weiner, vice president and chief medical officer of the Virtua Medical Group told Patch.

"The fact that this office focuses on primary care sets it apart from other South Jersey health centers designed for the LGBTQ+ community," he continued.

The practice will provide medical services that its patients need, including gender-affirming care; HIV testing, prevention, and management; sexual health; medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol abuse; and behavioral health services," the health system said.

Shanin Gross and Richard Levine, both of who have been practicing physicians with Virtua Health for a number of years, will serve as the practice's leaders, according to the health system.

"When primary care is at its best, there is a connection between the patient and provider, and a sense that you are a unique individual deserving of a curated plan of care," Levine said. "That gold standard is what we strive for."

Virtua Pride Primary Care will seek to change the way members of the LGBTQ+ community have been treated when it comes to their health care, added Rebecca D. Lynch, senior vice president for Virtua Health and president of Virtua Medical Group.

"[A] sense of support and understanding is something that, for generations, has not come easily to our LGBTQ+ family and friends," she said. "We hope to change that in a small but significant way with Virtua Pride Primary Care."

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