Finding a Doctor Who Sees You
Feb 16, 2026 02:18AM ● By Marie Lewis
For many in the Black community, walking into a doctor’s office can come with a layer of unspoken stress. Finding a physician who understands your lived experience and respects your concerns without bias is more than a preference; it is a vital step in taking control of your health.
Why Representation Matters
Studies show that when patients and doctors share the same race (medical concordance), patients often feel more at ease, share more information, and are more likely to follow through with preventive screenings. In a system where healthcare disparities persist, having a doctor who truly "sees" you can be life-saving.
Advocating for Yourself: Questions to Ask
Whether you are dealing with unexplained fatigue, suspect a hormonal imbalance, or feel "off," your primary care doctor is your first stop. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions to get the answers you deserve:
On Vitamin Deficiencies: "I’ve been feeling fatigued/having [specific symptom]. Can we run a comprehensive metabolic panel and check my Vitamin D, B12, and Iron levels?"
On Hormonal Health: "I’ve noticed changes in my mood, sleep, or weight. Can we test my thyroid levels (TSH) and look into a full hormone panel?"
On Chronic Illness: "Given my family history of [diabetes/hypertension/etc.], what screenings should we be doing now to stay ahead of it?"
General Advocacy: "If my labs come back 'normal' but I still feel these symptoms, what is our next step for finding the root cause?"
Featured Primary Care Providers in Louisville
These providers are part of The Village Lou Directory and are dedicated to serving our community with excellence.
Strickland, Cox & Associates Primary Care Center
A Black-owned practice of Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioners. They specialize in high-quality, compassionate care with a focus on managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and weight management.
Location: 1448 S 15th Street
Dr. Richie focuses on Family Medicine with a deep commitment to health equity and patient advocacy. He is an expert in chronic disease management and prevention.
Location: 2746 Virginia Avenue
With expertise in treating diabetes and hypertension, Dr. Edwards provides comprehensive family medicine care for those looking to manage long-term health conditions.
Location: 5129 Dixie Highway
A family medicine specialist who also serves as a community medical director for the Institute for Health Equity. He is a strong advocate for accessible healthcare in Louisville.
Location: 7430 Jefferson Boulevard
Providing family medicine care for adolescents, teens, and adults. Dr. Etheridge is a great choice for families looking for a provider who can care for multiple generations.
Location: 1720 West Broadway
A dedicated Family Medicine provider serving the Virginia Avenue community, focusing on accessible primary care for all ages.
Location: 2746 Virginia Avenue
Take the Next Step
Your health is your greatest wealth. If you haven't had a checkup this year, or if you’ve been putting off a conversation about how you feel, use our directory to find a provider who will partner with you.