Rising Stars: Meet Asia Sullivan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Asia Sullivan.

Hi Asia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My first introduction to HIV was as a child when I helped out a neighbor up our street who was ill. I would often walk his dog when he was unable to. Eventually, he passed away, and when I was older, I learned that he had died of AIDS-related illness, something that should have never happened in this day and age of treatment. I grew up in a rural community in Alabama where access to medical care was limited, and stigma around STIs and the LBGT community was rampant. After high school, I attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where I majored in public health and became involved with various nonprofits in the city, including AIDS Alabama and the 1917 Clinic, which, at that time, was the only dedicated HIV clinic in the state of Alabama. After graduating with my bachelor’s of public health, I obtained a Master’s of Public Health with a focus on epidemiology and also went to physician assistant school. During my graduate degree program, I studied abroad in Jamaica and partnered with nonprofits in Kingston to provide mobile HIV testing, STI education, and linkage to care in the communities there.

After finishing PA school, I moved to Los Angeles to begin working as a primary care provider at Dr V Medical, an LBGTQ+ focused practice. In my practice, I have been fortunate to manage hundreds of patients living with HIV and help others prevent HIV through modern medications. This year, I was selected as a national ambassador to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their Let’s Stop HIV Together Campaign.

Throughout my college journey & career, I have blogged, documented my experiences, and shared my knowledge on my social media platforms (Instagram & TikTok). My handle “coutureinclinic” was meant to combine my two loves – fashion and medicine. Prior to beginning work as a PA, I was a model, and I actually turned down the opportunity to compete on America’s Next Top Model to attend PA school. Since launching my social media platforms, I have been grateful to partner with brands such as Nike, Tampax, Hyundai, FIGS, Nutrafol, and many more.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One challenge I faced along the way regarded completing my medical training in Alabama. I am a lesbian and often felt that I couldn’t be myself around my mentors and supervisors, as I would often hear them make homophobic and transphobic remarks. I feared that disclosing my sexual orientation would negatively affect my reviews and grades and potentially my future career. Before graduating PA school, my grandmother was diagnosed with and died of lung cancer and I acted as a primary caretaker for her both during her treatment & her time in hospice, which was extremely difficult.

Another challenge I face in my daily life is the rise of medical misinformation online. My posts about HIV, sexual health, vaccines, etc. are often met with hatred and accusations of being “bought by big pharma.” Many people are under the impression that there is a cure for HIV that is being withheld by the medical community in order to make money, which is untrue. Others believe that vaccines were created with the intention to harm the population instead of help. The medical misinformation problem became worse than ever over the past few years dealing with the COVID19 pandemic.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a certified physician assistant and primary care provider specializing in LGBTQ+ health. My areas of expertise include HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, sexual and reproductive health, gender-affirming hormone management, and general preventative healthcare. I am also active across social media platforms and my blog, CoutureInClinic, where I share both lifestyle content and also health-related and informational content that pertains to my medical specialty.

In my practice, I am known for providing comprehensive, non-judgmental, and affirming care to patients of all identities. Online, I am known for authenticity and carefully curating brands with which to partner.

I am most proud of my Yelp reviews, which affirm me in my practice and encourage me to continue striving for excellence when it comes to the care of my patients. I am also proud of my role as a national ambassador to the CDC.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my ability to relate to others both in real life and online. I am typically able to find a commonality with anyone I meet and create a welcoming, non-judgmental environment in which a relationship can grow. I am also extremely dedicated to the things that I am passionate about and will go the extra mile for my patients, colleagues, and brand partners.

What matters most to you? Why?
Health equity matters most to me. As a primary care provider, health equity is at the heart of my commitment to providing compassionate care. Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances. Beyond ethical considerations, promoting health equity is about ensuring that each person receives the care they need for a healthier and more fulfilling life. It’s personal for me – building trust with patients, preventing diseases through timely interventions, and contributing to the well-being of our community. By addressing disparities, we not only improve individual outcomes but create a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. In essence, championing health equity is not just a professional responsibility; it’s about making a positive impact on lives and fostering a sense of fairness in our shared journey toward well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: coutureinclinic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coutureinclinic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coutureinclinic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvQg5_tCvqDuTrsI5ztEAjw
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/asia-sullivan-pa-c-los-angeles-2