Prioritizing Wellness: A Conversation with Dr. Sherell Crawford on Empowering Black Women to Take Charge of Their Health
In a compelling and insightful interview, Dr. Sherell Crawford sat down to discuss her journey in medicine, her commitment to community health, and the urgent need for Black women to prioritize their own wellness. A proud graduate of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Crawford's career exemplifies dedication, resilience, and leadership in the field of internal medicine.
After attending the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Dr. Crawford completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine. Her professional journey led her to practice at several prominent institutions, including Kaiser Permanente and Dekalb Medical Center. Ultimately, her passion for personalized patient care inspired her to launch her own practice—Hillandale Medical Associates, PC, where she has served as President and CEO since 2001.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Crawford emphasized a message that deeply resonates, especially within the Black community: the importance of self-care and wellness, particularly for Black women. Often positioned as caretakers for families and communities, Black women frequently neglect their own health, placing themselves at the bottom of their priority lists.
"Too often, we see women, especially Black women, wait until something goes wrong before they seek care," Dr. Crawford shared. "Preventative care, regular checkups, and simply taking the time to rest and recharge are not luxuries—they're necessities."
Her words are backed by decades of experience caring for patients across the Atlanta Metro Area. Through her independent practice in Lithonia, Georgia, Dr. Crawford has become a trusted advocate and provider, especially for underserved populations who face barriers to quality healthcare.
In our conversation, Dr. Crawford also highlighted the importance of culturally competent care—ensuring that patients feel seen, heard, and respected in every interaction. Her work reflects a broader mission to close the health gap and empower individuals, especially Black women, to take ownership of their wellness journey.
As we wrapped up the interview, Dr. Crawford left listeners with a powerful reminder: "Your health is your wealth. You can't pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself first—not last."
In addition to her work in medicine, Dr. Sherell Crawford is also a dedicated faith leader. She warmly invites listeners to join her at First St. Paul AME Church, where she is First Lady. The church is located at:
First St. Paul AME Church
2687 Klondike Road
Lithonia, Georgia 30058
Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM (virtual and in-person)
Listen to the full interview to hear more about Dr. Sherell Crawford's inspiring path in medicine and ministry—and her empowering message for women everywhere.
