Dr. Jack O’Brien, Haven Health Co-Founder and HIV Care Advocate, Dies at 36
The Southern California medical community is mourning the loss of Dr. Jack O’Brien, a respected family medicine physician, HIV specialist, clinical researcher, and co-founder of Haven Health, who died on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of 36.
News of his passing was announced by Haven Health, the West Hollywood-based medical practice he helped establish to provide affirming, accessible healthcare for LGBTQIA+ individuals and others seeking inclusive medical services. The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from patients, colleagues, researchers, and community advocates who credited Dr. O’Brien with transforming countless lives through his compassionate approach to medicine.
Originally from upstate New York, Dr. O’Brien graduated magna cum laude from Binghamton University before earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2016. He completed his residency training at Bayonne Medical Center in partnership with Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, where he developed a strong interest in HIV prevention, infectious diseases, and primary care for underserved communities.
Throughout his career, Dr. O’Brien became widely recognized for creating welcoming healthcare environments where patients felt respected, heard, and supported regardless of their background or identity. Many patients described him as a physician who combined exceptional medical knowledge with genuine compassion, allowing individuals to discuss sensitive health concerns without fear of judgment.
Following news of his death, former patients shared heartfelt messages remembering the trust and reassurance he provided during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Many said he was the first physician who truly listened to them and made them feel comfortable seeking medical care.
In addition to caring for patients, Dr. O’Brien played an important role in advancing HIV treatment and prevention through clinical research. He served as a principal and sub-investigator on numerous clinical trials involving major pharmaceutical companies, contributing to studies evaluating new HIV medications, long-acting injectable therapies, and preventive treatment options. His research helped expand access to innovative therapies designed to improve outcomes for people living with or at risk of HIV.
His commitment to public health extended beyond research. During medical school, he served as president of his campus LGBTQ student organization and worked to expand HIV education and prevention initiatives. Later, while completing his residency, he established a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) program to provide preventive care for underserved patients and delivered the keynote address during a World AIDS Day event in 2017.
Earlier this year, Dr. O’Brien helped launch Haven Health alongside his business partners, serving as the organization’s Chief Medical Officer. The practice was founded with a mission of delivering comprehensive, judgment-free healthcare that integrates primary care, HIV prevention, sexual health, and wellness services for diverse communities.
Haven Health leadership has confirmed that patient services will temporarily pause while staff members grieve before resuming operations under the supervision of the remaining clinical team. Patients previously under Dr. O’Brien’s care will receive additional information regarding continuity of care and medical record transfers.
Dr. O’Brien is survived by his family, colleagues, business partners, and a wide network of patients whose lives he touched through his dedication to compassionate medicine. Plans for a public celebration of his life are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Although his career was cut tragically short, Dr. Jack O’Brien leaves behind a lasting legacy of medical excellence, scientific innovation, and unwavering commitment to providing respectful, affirming healthcare. His contributions to HIV medicine and LGBTQIA+ health advocacy will continue to influence patients and healthcare professionals for years to come.
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