Lavida J. Thomas-Richardson, M.D., Joins Baptist Health Primary Care as a Family Medicine Physician

MIAMI, FL – September 24, 2025 – Family medicine physician Lavida J. Thomas-Richardson, M.D., has joined Baptist Health Primary Care. She has more than 20 years of patient care experience and specializes in preventive medicine. Her objective is to serve as a facilitator to help patients reach their health goals, including physical, mental and psychological well-being.

Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Thomas-Richardson worked with Weatherby, a locums tenens company, and accepted family medicine assignments in New Port Richey, Deltona and Jacksonville, Fla.

"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Thomas-Richardson to our highly skilled team of medical professionals, dedicated to providing the highest quality care to our patients,” said Jack Ziffer, Ph.D., M.D., executive vice president, chief clinical officer and chief physician executive at Baptist Health.

Dr. Thomas-Richardson earned her medical degree at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. She completed a family medicine residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Jacksonville, where she gained valuable experience in pediatric and adult primary care, with a concentration in women’s healthcare. In addition, her broad clinical expertise in pain management, occupational health and urgent care has shaped her into a highly adaptable and patient-centered physician.

Known for her compassionate approach and strong communication skills, Dr. Thomas-Richardson takes time to listen to her patients, offer empathy and empower them with the knowledge and tools necessary to better understand and actively participate in their healthcare journey. “Blending science and humanity to elevate the care of my patients, I guide them in identifying their goals, creating health plans and making sustainable lifestyle changes,” she said.

Dr. Thomas-Richardson will see patients at Baptist Health Primary Care | Marathon, 3303 Overseas Highway, Suite 100, Marathon, FL 33050. Since she grew up on a Caribbean island, she is looking forward to seamlessly assimilating into the Marathon community.

About Baptist Health

Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 28,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and the Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

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