Inside Apicha CHC: Q&A With Dr. Paul Chambliss

It's important to us that our clients and patients are met with the best care possible and build a strong relationship with their providers and care management team. We're thrilled to announce the newest member of Apicha CHC's medical team, Paul Chambliss, MD. You can read his bio and interview below. 

About Paul Chambliss, MD:

Dr. Paul Chambliss has over 20 years of experience as a primary care provider, with an emphasis on serving patients living with and affected by HIV and the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Chambliss began his medical career after graduating from the University of New Mexico's School of Medicine. He then completed his residency at St. Luke's- Roosevelt Hospital Center, where he then continued to serve LGBTQ+ patients and people living with HIV/AIDS in New York City at various medical practices and community health centers. 

In addition to his extensive medical experience, Dr. Chambliss also holds a Masters in Public Health in Biostatistics from Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. Since 2009, he has served as a preceptor for medical students from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, teaching basic history taking and physical examination skills. Over the years, Dr. Chambliss has published a number of research studies, primarily focusing on HIV treatment and antiretroviral therapy amongst HIV-positive individuals. 

When did you first get into medicine? 

I was interested in medicine from the time I was in high school, at the time because I was interested in biology and anatomy.  The workings of the human body drew me to medicine.

What do you like most about working at Apicha CHC?

Thus far, what I have most liked is the people.  Both those who work here, and our patients. I like connecting with patients. In one telehealth visit, I wanted to ask someone in, why they hung those particular record albums on their wall. Another, what's the story behind a tattoo? There's always a story.

What's your favorite thing about being a provider?

Meeting people with different backgrounds, interests, origins, and futures. I like to know more about a person than just a list of medications and medical problems. The whole person is most important to achieve better health, and I like knowing more about a person's life, achievements, and goals. I also want people to know that I am interested in them personally and not just what medications they are taking. 

How do you establish trust with your patients?

I want my patients to know they can ask anything they need to ask.  Nothing is out of bounds. If I don't know the answer, I will find out. If someone thinks there is something important for me to know, they can always tell me. 

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy classical music, primarily chamber music and opera. I also enjoy watching classic films. Etymology, the study of words and languages, is also very interesting to me. At the moment, I'm currently setting up an aquarium for my African dwarf frogs.