Meet your care team
Care that starts with listening — from experienced San Diego providers who take the time to know you, your history, and what a healthy life means to you.
Nicholas Schmidt, MD, MHS
“What a healthy life means to you may be different from ours, your neighbor, or the textbook — and that's the point. We're here to champion you in living a long, happy, and meaningful life.”
Dr. Schmidt takes time to sit and listen — to learn who the person is behind the patient, and what a healthy life means to you. He believes prevention is the best medicine: catching problems early so chronic disease never takes hold, so patients can live the long, healthy, active lives they deserve. Because Direct Primary Care allows for a smaller patient panel, he can offer longer appointments and same-day access — which often means faster answers, fewer unnecessary referrals, and fewer trips through the wider system.
An experienced San Diego internist
Dr. Schmidt graduated from Johns Hopkins University and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a Master of Health Science in cancer and reproductive biology. He earned his medical degree at Loma Linda University and completed Internal Medicine residency training at Scripps Clinic and Scripps Green Hospital. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and practices both hospital-based medicine and direct primary care.
From a Tennessee farm to the San Diego coast
Originally from Bells, Tennessee — where his family still runs their farm — Dr. Schmidt has fully embraced the San Diego lifestyle. You'll rarely find him far from the ocean, whether he's playing beach volleyball, surfing, or spearfishing.
Education & credentials
- Internal Medicine Residency — Scripps Clinic & Scripps Green Hospital
- MD & Master of Medical Science — Loma Linda University School of Medicine
- Master of Health Science — Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Board-certified in Internal Medicine (ABIM) · Licensed in California · English
Derek Rogoz, PA-C
“I believe in treating the patient, not just the condition. That principle guides every aspect of how I practice medicine.”
Derek provides comprehensive primary care for adults — from annual physicals and preventive care to the ongoing management of acute and chronic conditions. He explains things in plain language, so patients leave visits knowing exactly what's happening and why. He's especially good at coordinating care beyond the clinic, helping patients understand their options, and navigating the healthcare system when needed — the practical, day-to-day guidance that keeps small problems from becoming bigger ones. Derek also welcomes Medicare patients, providing the same personalized, relationship-based care while helping them navigate their healthcare options with confidence.
Wide-ranging clinical experience
Derek has practiced as a physician associate for four years across San Diego, primarily in primary care and also in dermatology and wound care — often in home-based, skilled-nursing, and underserved settings, which sharpened his ability to meet patients where they are. He has also traveled to Haiti on disaster-relief mission trips with International Medical Relief, triaging and treating thousands of patients and first-assisting with procedures in the field.
A Chicago native who lives what he preaches
A Chicago native, Derek was raised on Midwestern values — hard work, straight talk, and looking out for your neighbors. Outside the clinic he runs, swims, plays pickleball, and recently finished his first marathon. On weekends you'll find him hiking around San Diego with his wife and their two dogs.
Education & credentials
- MS, Physician Assistant Studies — Rush University, Chicago
- BS, Biology, Magna Cum Laude — Loyola University Chicago
- NCCPA-certified (PA-C) · Licensed in California · English
Have Medicare? See the FAQ for how care with Derek works.