Take Control of Your Health with Truly Preventative Care
Get to know our founder,
Dr. James Chiou
Dr. James Chiou is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician with diverse experience in various healthcare settings, including acute, urgent, and primary care. He started Presence Direct Primary Care (DPC) to provide the highest quality of care possible to support your optimal health and well-being. Dr. Chiou’s experiences caring for chronically ill patients helped him realize the importance of prevention in improving patients’ quality of life. With his commitment to prevention and comprehensive care, Dr. Chiou prioritizes a patient-physician partnership rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared decision-making. Dr. Chiou aims to restore humanity to the art of medicine through an empathic, patient-centered approach to care.
Dr. Chiou obtained his medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana and completed his Family Medicine residency at Larkin Palm Springs Community Hospital. In addition to professional experience, Dr. Chiou understands what it’s like to navigate healthcare as a patient. Due to his left eye prosthetic and personal experiences with thyroid disease, he understands the uncertainty and frustrations you may encounter when seeking care. He chose the name of this practice to reflect his intention to be present with you at each moment, ensuring you always feel seen, heard, and understood. He takes time to listen, answer questions, and be a supportive presence as you navigate your unique health journey.
Dr. Chiou is fluent in Spanish, an avid runner, and a worship singer. He loves to travel in his spare time.
Meet our office manager,
jewel ortiz
Jewel Ortiz is the Office Manager at Presence Direct Primary Care, bringing her background as a professional teacher and guidance advocate to support patient care with warmth and efficiency. Passionate about helping others reach their full potential, she ensures a welcoming and organized environment for both patients and staff. Outside of work, Jewel enjoys hiking, traveling, playing volleyball, and experimenting with new recipes, bringing creativity and energy to every aspect of life. Dr. Chiou established our membership-based practice to offer exceptional primary care, free from the constraints of traditional healthcare settings. When you join our practice, you bid farewell to hidden costs, surprise fees, and costly copays. Your membership includes office visits, telehealth, simple procedures, enhanced physician access, and the peace of mind of having a family doctor at your fingertips. Leveraging his diverse healthcare experience, Dr. Chiou provides support and assistance as you prioritize health goals, implement practical lifestyle changes, and find solutions to your health concerns and challenges.
Welcome to truly personalized primary care at Presence DPC
Life is about choosing the right relationships and finding balance in the key areas of health.
At Presence Direct Primary Care, Dr. Chiou helps patients achieve optimal wellness through whole-food, plant-based nutrition, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social connections, and avoiding risky substances.
With a personalized, relationship-centered approach, we focus on preventing disease, not just treating it, so you can live a healthier, fuller life. Direct access, longer visits, and proactive care mean you get the support you need to build lasting health—because your well-being is more than just medicine.
The Presence DPC Difference
Peace of mind
With enhanced physician access, you can say goodbye to waiting weeks or months to address urgent concerns. From simple questions to sudden illness, we’re here when you need us.
Relaxed environment
We want to get to know the real you. We meet you with empathy and understanding in a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you feel seen, valued, and supported with every interaction.
Transparent pricing
Enjoy exceptional care without surprise costs. If you need care that is not covered by your membership, we’ll help you find the best options within your budget. Never navigate healthcare alone again!