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- 612-823-AXIS (2947)
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Compassionate Healthcare Focused on Community, Trust, and Patient Well-Being
At Axis Clinics, our mission is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to all members of our community, ensuring that no patient faces a financial burden when seeking the healthcare they need. We are dedicated to fostering teamwork among our providers, staff, and patients to deliver comprehensive, continuous care that prioritizes well-being at every stage of life. Through community engagement, health literacy, and patient education, we empower individuals to take an active role in their health, promoting compliance and long-term wellness. Guided by our commitment to equitable, high-quality healthcare, we strive to be a trusted partner in building a healthier, stronger community.
Universal Medical Services, Inc., doing business as Axis Clinics, is a visionary healthcare organization founded in October 2007 by Dr. Crispin Semakula, a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist originally from Tanzania, in partnership with a local business partner and community leaders. Together, they shared a vision of creating a healthcare organization that more effectively serves Minneapolis’s growing immigrant, refugee, and medically underserved communities.
From its inception, Axis has been grounded in the belief that quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of language, culture, insurance status, or ability to pay. The organization’s mission centers on delivering culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate primary care to individuals and families who frequently encounter barriers within the traditional healthcare system.
Initially established as a private, for-profit entity, Axis transitioned into a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in April 2008. It was subsequently accredited as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHC-LAL). As a community-based health center certified by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in April, 2010. Axis meets all operational, clinical, and administrative standards of the Federal Qualified Health Center Program under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act without receiving direct federal grant funding.
Despite operating without direct federal grant aid, Axis has continuously expanded its services to meet the evolving needs of its community. Presently, Axis operates two clinical sites; Axis Medical Center (Nicollet Ave) and Axis Medical Center (Lake Street) offering comprehensive primary care, preventive services, health education, and community-based support—all while prioritizing trust, accessibility, and culturally sensitive care.
Through this dedicated work, Axis remains committed to improving health outcomes, eliminating barriers to care, and ensuring that every patient and family is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Your support helps Axis Clinics continue providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to individuals and families in need. Every contribution supports community wellness, patient care, outreach programs, and health education initiatives that make a lasting impact.
MD, MSc
Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Universal Medical Services dba Axis Clinics Dr. Crispin Semakula is a Board-Certified Endocrinologist with over 30 years of experience
PA-C
Maeve is a Physician Assistant who earned her degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC. She is passionate about providing patient-centered primary care
MD
Dr. Lewis is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages. He is passionate about caring for individuals
FNP
Nardos is a Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals of all ages. She has a special interest in pediatrics and women’s health
PA-C
Sam joined Axis Clinics in 2025 as a Primary Care Physician Assistant. He provides primary care for patients of all ages, with a special focus on adolescent and teen health.
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Dominic Irabor is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for patients of all ages. He specializes in primary care
PA-C
Brooklyn Gunnare is a Physician Assistant who earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University.
FNP
Shamera is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered healthcare to individuals and families in her community.
Axis Clinics has received the FQHC Subsidy Grant and Reminder Recall Mini Grant for FY 2026 from the Minnesota Department of Health. These grants are managed by the Operations and Finance team, led by Zillehuma Ebrahim, COO/Interim CFO. Zillehuma Ebrahim can be contacted at 612-823-2947 or zillehuma.ebrahim@axisclinics.org
Whether you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, our team is here to help with trusted care and support.
6128232947
info@axisclinics.org
1801 Nicollet Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55403
1 West Lake St Minneapolis, MN 55408
Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Universal Medical Services dba Axis Clinics Dr. Crispin Semakula is a Board-Certified Endocrinologist with over 30 years of experience providing care in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrine disorders. As the Founder and CEO of Axis Clinics, Chief Medical Officer, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Semakula is dedicated to advancing compassionate, culturally responsive healthcare for diverse communities. He provides specialized endocrine consultations while leading clinical quality improvement, provider development, and community health initiatives. His approach centers on empowering patients through education, collaboration, and personalized care.
Clinical Interests: Diabetes and related disorders, metabolism and nutrition, pituitary, adrenal and thyroid disorders, reproductive endocrinology, hormone replacement therapy, and community medicine.
Languages: English, Swahili, French
Maeve is a Physician Assistant who earned her degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC. She is passionate about providing patient-centered primary care and building collaborative relationships with individuals and families throughout the Twin Cities community. Maeve believes patients should feel informed, empowered, and actively involved in decisions about their healthcare. Her clinical interests include family medicine, adolescent health, and women’s health, with a focus on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every patient.
Clinical Interests: Primary care, family medicine, adolescent health, and women’s health.
Dr. Lewis is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages. He is passionate about caring for individuals and families throughout every stage of life and believes that every patient deserves access to a provider who listens, understands, and cares about their unique health journey. In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Lewis enjoys precepting and teaching the next generation of healthcare providers. His motivation to practice medicine comes from his own experiences with illness as a child and his commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to compassionate, individualized care.
Clinical Interests: Family medicine, primary care, preventive care, and caring for patients across the lifespan.
Provider Quote: “Love is all you need.”
Nardos is a Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals of all ages. She has a special interest in pediatrics and women’s health and enjoys working in community health settings that support underserved populations. Nardos believes in promoting lifelong wellness through preventive care, patient education, and evidence-based treatment. As a bilingual provider, she is committed to building strong relationships with patients and families from diverse backgrounds.
Clinical Interests: Pediatrics, women’s health, preventive care, and community health.
Languages: English, Amharic
Sam joined Axis Clinics in 2025 as a Primary Care Physician Assistant. He provides primary care for patients of all ages, with a special focus on adolescent and teen health. Before beginning his career in medicine, Sam spent 20 years working in economics and finance, bringing a unique perspective to healthcare and health systems improvement. He is passionate about improving the health of Axis patients while advocating for a more patient-centered healthcare system. Sam believes that quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone and works to ensure every patient receives compassionate, equitable care.
Clinical Interests: Primary care, adolescent health, preventive care, and healthcare access.
Dominic Irabor is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for patients of all ages. He specializes in primary care, chronic disease management, cardiovascular health, sports medicine, preventive care, and wellness. Dominic believes in delivering personalized care through education, collaboration, and shared decision-making to help patients achieve their best health. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys sports, spending time with family, and serving his community.
Clinical Interests: Primary care, chronic disease management, cardiovascular health, sports medicine, preventive care, and wellness.
Brooklyn Gunnare is a Physician Assistant who earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University, graduating with Academic Distinction. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care while building meaningful relationships with patients of all ages. Brooklyn believes the foundation of excellent healthcare starts with listening, understanding each patient’s goals, and creating personalized treatment plans that support long-term health. She is passionate about empowering patients through education and partnership to help them achieve their healthiest future.Clinical Interests: Women’s health, dermatology, weight loss medicine, preventive care, and primary care.
Personal Interests: Baking, spending time with family and friends, exploring Minnesota’s lakes and trails, and spending time with her Golden Doodle.
Provider Quote: “Every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and cared for like family. My goal is to help every patient achieve their healthiest future.”
Shamera is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered healthcare to individuals and families in her community. She earned her Master’s degree from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom and completed postgraduate training through Walden University. Shamera is committed to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, patient education, and individualized care. She believes in partnering with patients to support their health goals and promote lifelong wellness.
Clinical Interests: Family medicine, preventive care, patient education, and evidence-based healthcare.
Axis Clinics connects patients with nutrition resources that support healthy lifestyles, wellness goals, and management of health conditions where nutrition may play an important role. Patients can work with their care team to identify nutrition needs and connect with available resources and community support programs.
Axis Clinics connects eligible patients with immigration medical examination resources through a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon. These exams support individuals completing required medical evaluations as part of the immigration process. Our team helps patients understand the process and connect with appropriate services and documentation support.
Axis Clinics works to connect patients with additional resources that support their overall health and well-being. Through internal referrals and community partnerships, patients may receive assistance with services such as immigration-related healthcare requirements, nutrition support, and other resources that address social and wellness needs. Thanks to one of our partners, we are able to offer patients and community members an assortment of supplies including personal hygiene, baby & perinatal care necessities, household items, incontinence care, and occasionally other items as available. All patient support supplies are of limited availability.
Axis Clinics’ Community Health Workers and Resource Navigators help patients address barriers that may affect their health and well-being. Our team assists with connecting patients to healthcare services, education, community resources, and support programs while helping individuals navigate healthcare systems and access available resources.
Vaccinations are an important part of protecting individual and community health. Axis Clinics provides immunization support for patients across different stages of life and helps individuals and families stay informed about recommended vaccines and preventive healthcare needs. Our team provides education and guidance to help patients make informed decisions about their health.
Primary care is the foundation of healthcare at Axis Clinics. Our primary care team partners with individuals and families of all ages to support lifelong health through preventive care, treatment of common health concerns, chronic condition management, and ongoing wellness support. We provide compassionate, culturally responsive care focused on building trusted relationships and helping patients navigate their healthcare journey. When additional care is needed, our team helps coordinate referrals and connect patients with appropriate resources.
Annual wellness visits provide an opportunity to focus on the whole person and support ongoing health. These visits allow patients to build a relationship with their care team, discuss health goals, review preventive needs, manage ongoing conditions, and connect with appropriate healthcare resources. Our team works collaboratively with patients and families to support wellness throughout every stage of life.
Axis Clinics provides healthcare for children and adolescents with a focus on healthy growth, development, and preventive care. Our team partners with parents and caregivers to monitor health over time, support developmental needs, address concerns, and provide guidance throughout childhood and adolescence. We strive to create a welcoming environment where young patients and families feel supported.
Axis Clinics provides comprehensive women’s healthcare focused on supporting patients through every stage of life. Our care team supports preventive health, reproductive and sexual health needs, pregnancy-related care, and ongoing wellness. We partner with each patient to provide respectful, individualized care that aligns with their personal health goals and needs.
Axis Clinics supports patients throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period with compassionate, patient-centered care. Our team provides education, support, and coordination throughout the perinatal journey while helping patients access healthcare services and community resources that support healthy outcomes for parents and families.
Axis Clinics provides healthcare focused on the physical, emotional, and preventive health needs of men throughout life. Our team supports wellness, preventive care, chronic condition management, health education, and lifestyle goals while helping patients address concerns that impact their overall well-being.
Preventive care helps identify health concerns early and supports long-term wellness. During routine visits, our care team works with patients to understand their health history, assess wellness needs, and recommend appropriate screenings and preventive services based on individual health needs. Our goal is to help patients stay informed, address concerns early, and create a plan to support their overall health.
Axis Clinics offers specialized endocrine care focused on conditions related to hormones, metabolism, and overall health. Our endocrinology services support patients through evaluation, education, ongoing management, and collaboration with their broader healthcare team to promote long-term wellness.
