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Matthew Zamora, MSN, APRN | Photo Courtesy of Latinos Salud

Connections That Empower Your Healthcare

Latinos Salud sets the bar for accessible testing, screening, PrEP, HIV care and other healthcare services. Their gay, bilingual medical providers speak your language and never shame you. Latinos Salud makes it easy to make appointments, or you can just walk in; they don’t charge co-pays; they have four locations in Broward and Miami Dade, and they’re open late nightly, as well as half days on Saturdays. 

As the non-profit agency and its clinics continue to grow, OutClique magazine sat down with their two newest medical providers. 

Matthew Zamora, MSN, APRN comes from a family rooted in healthcare, and even met his husband in the profession.  Before completing his master’s degree in nursing, Matthew had worked as a registered nurse for five years in high-acuity hospital settings, specializing in neuro-cardiac and post-surgical care. He notes that “Today, I bring that same level of dedication—and heart—into my role in community health.” 

Rogert Castro, MSN, APRN has worked in cardiac and oncology units from Miami to Washington, DC, including the challenging work in bone marrow and stem cell transplants.  Across all these experiences, Rogert says that he “believes that listening, building trust, and treating people with dignity are just as important as any medication or procedure.”   

OutClique: What made you choose Latinos Salud as the place you wanted to build your career and make a difference? 

Matthew: As a proud gay Latino, I understand firsthand how important

it is to feel seen, respected, and safe in healthcare spaces.   Latinos Salud stood out to me long before I joined.  I had followed their work for years and deeply admired their commitment to culturally competent, stigma-free care.  Their mission aligned perfectly

with both my personal values and professional goals. I wanted to be part of a team that not only treats patients, but truly empowers them—and that’s exactly what we do here every day. 

Rogert: What stood out to me about Latinos Salud is its focus on dignity, prevention, education, and access to care. HIV and STI prevention are not just medical issues; they are public health priorities that impact individuals, families, and entire communities. Many people delay seeking care because of stigma, fear, or misinformation. At Latinos Salud, we have the opportunity to change that by creating a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and receiving care without judgment.  Being able to help someone start PrEP, access HIV treatment, receive STI testing, or simply learn more about protecting their health is incredibly rewarding. 

OutClique: Which of Latinos Salud’s locations do you work in? How would you describe the vibe or feel in this location? 

Matthew: I work at the Miami Southwest location. The environment is welcoming, inclusive, and deeply community-driven.  From the moment patients walk in, there’s a genuine sense of warmth and acceptance. It doesn’t feel like a traditional clinical space—it feels safe, approachable, and human. That atmosphere plays a vital role in helping patients feel comfortable opening up about their health. Our team functions not just as colleagues, but as a family, and we strive to make every patient feel like they’re part of that as well.  

Rogert: I work at Latinos Salud in Miami Beach, a city that is incredibly diverse, vibrant, and full of energy. Because many of our patients speak Spanish, being able to communicate in their preferred language helps establish trust and allows us to provide more personalized care. 

What makes our Miami Beach location special is the strong sense of community. Patients often tell us they appreciate being treated as individuals rather than just another appointment.  We take the time to listen, educate, and build relationships. That connection helps people feel more confident about their healthcare decisions and encourages them to stay engaged in their care. It is rewarding to be part of a team that prioritizes compassion, prevention, and empowerment every day.

Latinos Salud-Rogert Castro, MSN, APRN
Rogert Castro, MSN, APRN | Photo Courtesy of Latinos Salud

OutClique: Getting healthcare can be intimidating. Whether community members are looking to get on PrEP, or they need HIV care or STD treatment, or have other concerns, many are nervous about being judged. How do you relate to your patients? 

Matthew: I meet patients where they are, without assumptions. Many people come in feeling anxious, especially when discussing sexual health or HIV prevention. I focus on building trust through open, judgment-free conversations. I remind them that they are not alone, and that my role is to support—not judge—their decisions and experiences. 

Rogert: I remind patients that my role is not to judge them but to help them make informed decisions about their health. Whether someone is seeking PrEP, HIV treatment, STI testing, or general healthcare advice, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Open communication is essential. When patients feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns, we can work together to develop a plan that meets their needs. 

I also believe in education. Many fears come from uncertainty or misinformation. By providing accurate information and answering questions honestly, we can help reduce anxiety and empower patients to take control of their health. 

OutClique: What are some of the most common questions your patients ask you? 

Matthew: A lot of patients ask about PrEP—how it works, side effects, and whether it’s right for them. Others have questions about STI symptoms, testing frequency, or new prevention strategies like DoxyPEP. I also get questions about HIV treatment and what living with HIV looks like today.  Many are relieved to learn how effective and manageable prevention and treatment options have become. 

Rogert: For patients living with HIV, common questions focus on treatment, medication adherence, and long-term health. Many want reassurance that they can live full, healthy lives while managing HIV.  I explain that with modern antiretroviral therapy, many people achieve an undetectable viral load and can maintain excellent health for decades. 

Ultimately, most patients are looking for trustworthy information and reassurance. My goal is to provide clear answers, reduce fear and confusion, and help patients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health. 

OutClique: What message would you share with the South Florida community?

Matthew: Your health is something to be proactive about, not afraid of.  Getting tested, asking questions, and exploring prevention options are all acts of self-respect—not something to feel ashamed of. 

We have the tools today to prevent and effectively treat HIV and STIs, but access starts with taking that first step. You deserve care that is respectful, informed, and judgment-free—and that’s exactly what we strive to provide every day.

Latinos Salud_Logo 2023

Content courtesy of OutClique Writer