Harvest Health MD, founded by Dr. Jamal Lawrence, is the first black-owned Direct Primary Care office in Savannah, Georgia. Here is Dr. Lawrence’s take on its founding:
“As a teenager, I remember hearing my mom state to me that I was groomed for greatness.” This statement is something that resonated with me and set the tone for how I would be raised. As I reflect on that statement, I have realized that my life has been blessed beyond measure. Though I come from humble beginnings, a child of Jamaican immigrants, through my parent’s hard work and dedication, I have been afforded opportunities that many have not and have more recently been positioned to help more people than I could have ever imagined while growing up. What is even more incredible is that I am doing it on my own terms having started my own medical practice Harvest Health MD.
I first learned of Direct Primary Care (DPC) from a colleague, Dr. Erica Young. After hearing about it, it was so far out of the realm of what physicians typically did, it seemed like an unrealistic possibility. I toyed with the idea, but did not fully commit until I graduated from residency. I was offered a number of great paying jobs with high salaries but nothing quite fit the impact and desire I had to be an independently practicing physician while deeply impacting my community. I often remember saying to myself, “I can’t just be a doctor”. For many, that is their sole calling in life, but for me, it is part of it.
As I set out on a quest to find my purpose and began developing the concept of Harvest Health MD, it became clear that I, like my colleague, thought differently and was bold enough to take a risk that not many physicians today will take.
My reasoning was that I didn’t want to be the doctor who practiced for 10-15 years to then realize that I am “miserable in medicine” and then have to look for ways to gracefully transition out of clinical practice. I wanted to be the individual that built and lived the dream he had since he was six years old, intentionally. To build a dream that I didn’t have to run from. I desired to build something that would allow me to incorporate all other aspects of my life that are extremely important to me – like having time for family, social justice, mentorship, community service, leadership, and business.
A few years ago, I got it into my head that I wanted to be the “first black” something. It’s a bit sad that this is still a highlight today considering it was 2020, but I digress. It was a nagging feeling, and a desire of mine but understanding from scripture not to chase accolades, I continued to seek God and the purpose for my life and all things would then be added on to me.
Looking at the Savannah landscape, while building Harvest Health MD it became evident that if I continued to walk my path, I would become the first black doctor in Savannah, Ga to own a direct primary practice. Savannah’s direct primary care ecosystem stems back to 2017, but in a majority African American city, none were black-owned and all were in areas above midtown Savannah. Harvest Health MD is the first direct primary care office located on the Southside of Savannah with a focus on diverse populations – reflective of Savannah’s population.
Through Harvest Health MD, I hope to take care of all people regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender – but there is a special emphasis on caring for black families as they have been the ones to bear the brunt of medical inequality and inequity. These families are traditionally marginalized in the healthcare system, economic system, and social structures that define the fabric of America. It is my goal to provide people who look like me with the care they need and deserve. I believe Harvest Health MD will allow me to do that while maintaining the autonomy and ownership desired that will impact the community on a larger scale.
I hope that those reading this blog post recognize the value and intention behind developing Harvest Health MD as I continue to live authentically and co-create the world I want to see.
Dr. Jamal Lawrence, MD, DipABLM
Family Medicine | Lifestyle Medicine
Founder | CEO – Harvest Health MD
