Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Teriya Richmond.
Dr. Richmond, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story began when I was born in Chicago on the west side and being a part of a family of entrepreneurs. At the time, I did not realize what their influence would have on me as an adult, but my mother and grandmother were examples of strong women who exuded strength and hard work. I was always encouraged that I can be who I wanted to be, no matter what obstacle I may encounter. My community began to deteriorate as I was growing into my teenage years. Early engagement in sex was the norm and teen pregnancy had become commonplace. After I had my first doctors visit with my black female doctor, it came to me that I could make a difference in my community particularly for young black girls and young women and their sexual health.
I attend Whitney M Young HS (the same high school FLOTUS Michelle Obama attended), which opened my eyes to the fact that I could actually attend college and become a doctor. I went to a small liberal arts college in Iowa on full scholarship and graduated Sum Cum Laude and went on the medical school and graduate school at the University of Illinois. Baylor College Medicine brought my husband and me to Houston and H Town has been our home ever since. After working in academic medicine at both Baylor and UT as an Associate Professor, I decided to leap out into private practice and I joined a group practice for three years. In January 2020, I took the jump, went into solo practice and founded a health center with a multidisciplinary approach to health and wellness!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, this has not been a smooth road but a doable one. Medical school and Residency were two of the hardest things I ever had to do. So when I became a “docpreneur,” I had the work ethic and creativity to make it happen. However, I had to learn the business side of medicine and real quick! My goal was to heal the world and make it a better place. But that’s not all that goes into private practice and developing a strong team around you is key.
My practice opened in January with no idea that COVID would hit Houston and hit hard. But with that struggle came the opportunity to innovate and pivot into telemedicine.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
I am known as “Your Total Health Doctor” because I believe caring for my patients entails addressing their mind, body and spirit. My practice is a modern approach to medicine. The practice is housed in a medical center I founded with multiple services including women’s health, family practice, telemedicine, onsite imaging, behavioral therapy, and HIV testing/Prep and medical research. I am most proud to be a black-owned business bringing quality evidenced-based healthcare to the 3rd ward community!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up personality-wise, I was serious and laser-focused on my goals. I read books back to back and loved learning! Funny enough, I always wanted to model but my mom said no. But I have remained multifaceted.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5751 Blythewood St
Suite 200
Houston TX 77021 - Website: www.yourtotalhealthdoctor.com
- Phone: 832 215 5985
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Drtrichmond
- Facebook: Teriya M Richmond MD MPH PLLC
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