Tessa Sonja Stecker, MD

Tessa Stecker, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained family medicine physician with Keck Medicine of USC. As a family medicine physician, she cares for children, adolescents and adults for a wide range of health needs, including preventive care, minor office procedures and treatment for acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Stecker also has a special interest in community medicine and understanding the needs, strengths and resources within communities and how they can support the health and well-being of residents.

Dr. Stecker believes that the most important part of care is for her patients to feel heard, respected and comfortable communicating openly so that together, they can make thoughtful treatment decisions reflective of a patient’s needs, values and goals. She is dedicated to providing culturally responsive care that respects each patient’s background, identity, values and family and life experiences. She also aims to help her patients navigate the healthcare system by connecting patients with resources and helping them to overcome barriers to care.

Dr. Stecker earned her medical degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Next, at Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills, California, she completed a residency in family medicine, serving as chief resident. She then completed a fellowship in community medicine and faculty development at Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills, followed by a fellowship in community medicine and global health at Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, California. She completed a faculty development fellowship and earned a teaching certificate in equity and inclusion at the University of California, San Francisco.

As a clinical assistant professor of family medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Dr. Stecker is committed to creating an inclusive, compassionate, equitable environment for patients and physicians alike. Her research interests include improving physician training and community care, finding ways to make healthcare and medical education more inclusive, equitable and responsive.

In her free time, Dr. Stecker enjoys reading, watching football games, going to concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, spending time with friends and family, as well as traveling the world and experiencing new cultures and cuisine.