About
Christopher Schiessl, MD, AAHIVS, earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1994. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, finishing in 2001. He holds board certification in Internal Medicine and has held a California medical license since that year.
Over a 25-year career, Dr. Schiessl built his clinical depth across several settings. He spent more than ten years at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco and nearly a decade at One Medical. Early in his career, he owned Pacific Horizons Medical Group, where he deepened his expertise in HIV medicine and earned his AAHIVS credential from the American Academy of HIV Medicine. He has treated patients with HIV for nearly three decades and maintains a focused interest in HIV care and aging. He offers gender-affirming care for transgender and non-binary patients following current WPATH guidelines. Dr. Schiessl also manages chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and asthma, and provides services in men's health, women's health, cardiovascular risk reduction, and weight management. Outside the clinic, he enjoys strength training, hiking, cooking, and playing video games. He lives in Palm Springs with his dog, Eevee.
Education & Training
Medical School
Georgetown University School of Medicine (1994)
Residency
Internal Medicine, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY (completed 2001)
Additional Training
AAHIVS credentialing through American Academy of HIV Medicine
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Schiessl right for?
Dr. Schiessl is a strong fit for adults 18 and older seeking thorough, relationship-driven primary care. Patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol benefit from his 25-plus years of internal medicine experience. He is an excellent choice for LGBTQIA+ patients, those living with HIV, and transgender or non-binary individuals seeking gender-affirming care. Older adults looking for attentive geriatric care and preventive health planning will also find his approach well-suited to their needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Schiessl specializes in internal medicine, HIV care, geriatric medicine, preventive medicine, and gender-affirming care. He manages chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and asthma. He also treats cardiovascular risk factors, obesity, erectile dysfunction, and post-menopausal hormone imbalance.
Dr. Schiessl has treated patients with HIV for nearly three decades. He holds AAHIVS credentialing from the American Academy of HIV Medicine. He has a particular interest in the intersection of HIV care and aging.
Yes. Dr. Schiessl provides competent and compassionate care for the LGBTQIA+ community. His background includes extensive HIV treatment and gender-affirming care for transgender and non-binary patients following current WPATH guidelines.
Dr. Schiessl follows the most current guidelines from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) when caring for transgender and non-binary patients. He offers this care as part of his standard membership services at Positive Primary Care.
Dr. Schiessl earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, in 2001.
Yes. Dr. Schiessl holds board certification in Internal Medicine. He has held a California medical license since 2001 and carries AAHIVS credentialing from the American Academy of HIV Medicine.
Dr. Schiessl performs several procedures in-office, including injections, skin biopsies, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, incision and drainage for abscesses, and EKGs. These services are included under the standard membership at Positive Primary Care.
Yes. Dr. Schiessl offers weight management support through lifestyle modifications and medications, including GLP-1 agonist therapy. He also addresses metabolic conditions like high cholesterol and hypertension as part of cardiovascular risk reduction.
Dr. Schiessl spent over ten years at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco and nearly a decade at One Medical. He also owned Pacific Horizons Medical Group early in his career. After relocating to Palm Springs in 2024, he founded Positive Primary Care to deliver independent, community-focused primary care.
Doctor profile last updated October 31, 2026