A burgeoning leader in the healthcare industry, Dr. Renee Matthews has spent the early part of her career as a medical educator and satellite radio host.
In 2013 she was awarded the Friend of Mobile C.A.R.E. Award for her commitment to raising Asthma Awareness in Chicago. In addition to writing about health, Dr. Matthews conducts speaking engagements on topics like social media, motivation, inspiration and provides business advice to start-ups and entrepreneurs.
As a long-time asthmatic, she has become a passionate advocate for asthma education. She addresses the concerns of people living with asthma by supplying them with tools and knowledge to navigate the healthcare system, stay safe in the pursuit of care, and engaging patients to be active participants in their health. Most recently, Dr. Renee has been working hard on her show, Out of Office with Dr. Renee, which is seen in almost 50,000 Doctors’ offices and Walgreens stores across the country.
Her latest addition to her long list of accomplishments is publishing her book, Mommy, I Can’t Breathe: The Modern Guide To Navigate Allergies and Asthma.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Dr. Renee to learn more about her background, her necessary new book, and her thoughts on how black women are treated by the health industry.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Dr. Renee Matthews?
Dr. Renee Matthews: I am a Black woman who just wants everyone to #LiveLifeYouDeserve. That is my mantra!!
As a child, did you always know that you wanted to become a professional that was of service to people?
YES!! I wanted to be a doctor since I was 5. I was a sick kid and spent lots of time in hospitals and my mom worked in hospitals so when I was off from school instead of a babysitter we went to work with my mom.
Can you tell us about your new book, “Mommy, I Can’t Breathe” and the inspiration behind it?
It tells the story of my life growing up with the Top 8+ food allergies and severe Asthma. I was inspired by hearing all the kids diagnosed with food allergies and parents who don’t know what to do with an allergy and/or an asthma diagnosis.
Are there any misconceptions or particular points of interest about Asthma in the black community that you’d like people to know?
Unfortunately, our community is lacking resources, so many people are either never diagnosed with Asthma suffer from breathing issues, or they get diagnosed in the ER but can’t seek follow-up because of lack of insurance or transportation to the doctor.
Being a black woman in the healthcare industry, what are your thoughts on the overall consensus that black women are often put in danger by doctors and others that don’t always listen to them?
I totally agree. It is awful and unfair. There have been studies to show that having a Black doctor creates a better outcome for Black people. I also tell everyone make certain you have an advocate with you when you go to the doctor and hospital so they can help make certain you are heard and listened to.
What are three principles or ideals you try to abide by in your business dealings?
• Follow up is key
• Persistence pays off
• Stay on brand
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a triple threat. I competively sang, danced and acted. I auditioned for Effie in Dreamgirls the movie where of course Jennifer Hudson got the part. I competed in singing against Sutton Foster (a Tony award-winning Broadway Actress) and WON many years before she hit Broadway and I became a Doctor.
Can you name a book that changed or really impacted your life?
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. I learned about manifestation from that book and how to make certain I was sending the right thoughts to the universe. I also realized that most of my life I had been putting the secret principles in practice but I didn’t know it until I read the book. I am very intentional on my thoughts and prayers and manifesting things in my life.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“A closed mouth does not get fed.”
What’s next for Dr. Renee Matthews?
So many projects are on tap. I encourage all those interested in following me on all social media because we have lots of new AMAZING content that I know will help people #LiveLifeYouDeserve.
I have achieved many of my goals. Still, I want my own family and motherhood soon. I want babies. I will have my own talk show. I will have a home in Antigua, where I hope to live part of the year. And Oprah will become a real-life mentor to me!
For more information on Dr. Renee, please visit AskDrRenee.info and connection with her on social media at @AskDrRenee
