Texas Health Action Welcomes Dr. Matthew Bauer as Chief Medical Officer
Texas Health Action (THA) is excited to announce that Dr. Matthew Bauer has joined our leadership team as Chief Medical Officer, effective May 21, 2025. In this role, Dr. Bauer will guide our clinical strategy, quality performance, and medical education efforts—helping advance our mission to provide access to culturally affirming, quality health services in a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ people and those impacted by HIV.
“Dr. Bauer’s experience working in HIV preventative care and queer-focused healthcare makes him a wonderful asset for Texas Health Action’s work across the state,” said Christopher Hamilton, CEO of Texas Health Action. “With his background in public health and history of solidarity with underserved communities, I am confident in his ability to help us advance access to safe and affirming care in Texas.”
A Commitment to Affirming, Accessible Care
Dr. Bauer will oversee Texas Health Action’s two core programs:
- Kind Clinic – Offering sexual health services in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, as well as virtual visits across Texas.
- Waterloo Counseling Center – Providing behavioral health services in Austin and through virtual visits statewide.
“As a physician, I’ve always believed that health care should be affirming, accessible and free of stigma,” Dr. Bauer said. “I’m proud to join Texas Health Action and lead a team that’s committed to advancing health equity for LGBTQIA+ communities across Texas. Together, we will continue to challenge the status quo and provide the compassionate care every person deserves.”
Experience and Expertise
Before joining THA, Dr. Bauer served in both clinical and executive leadership roles at a federally qualified health center in Cincinnati and an Ohio nonprofit focused on LGBTQIA+ and HIV care. Most recently, as Chief Medical Officer at The HealthCare Connection, he:
- Expanded HIV and PrEP programs
- Launched hepatitis C treatment services
- Developed substance use programs, including medication for opioid use disorder
- Secured federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and Ending the HIV Epidemic funding
- Partnered with the Ohio Department of Health on minority health initiatives and mpox outbreak response
Dr. Bauer earned his medical degree from the University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his internal medicine residency at Wright State University, and his infectious diseases fellowship at The Ohio State University. He also holds an HIV Specialist™ credential from the American Academy of HIV Medicine.
Looking Ahead
With Dr. Bauer’s leadership, Texas Health Action will continue expanding access to stigma-free, compassionate care—empowering our communities to live healthier, fuller lives.
