Dr. Bryanne Standifer-Barrett is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, speaker, and entrepreneur that is passionate about “taking education from the office to the streets” and closing the health disparity gaps that disportionately affect Black and Brown communities She works hard to stay at the forefront of medical advancements to provide the best possible care for her patients actively participating in panels, events, social media talks, health coaching, and community outreach to share her knowledge and insights, and make healthcare accessible and understandable for everyone
A graduate of Michigan State University, where she is now a Clinical Professor, Dr. Standier-Barrett is also a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and serves as a leading medical advisor and product development expert for Black Girl Vitamins, a wellness brand focused on tailoring health solutions for Black women. Since its launch in 2021, BGV has fast become one of the leading vitamin and supplements brands created specifically to support the unique health and wellness needs of Black women across life stages. Through science-backed products, culturally relevant education, and community-driven experiences, the brand remains committed to improving long-term health outcomes and empowering Black women with wellness solutions that reflect their lived experiences.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the dedicated medical professional to learn more about her path into medicine, her work with Black Girl Vitamins, and the recent Black Girl Wellness Fest event at UIC.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Dr. Bryanne Standifer-Barrett?
Dr. Bryanne Standifer-Barrett: At my core, I’m a compassionate, driven physician committed to improving the quality of care for ALL people while empowering them to advocate for themselves along the way.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Driven. Empathetic. Loving.
As a child, what did you dream of doing for a living?
Even as a young girl, becoming a doctor was the only career I ever dreamed about. I wore a doctor costume for Halloween year after year because I was fascinated by how the body worked and even more drawn to the idea that I could actually help people understand what was happening to theirs. Medicine is the only career I have ever known or pursued. I felt called to it, and every season of my life since has confirmed that this is exactly where I was meant to be.
When did you know you wanted to become a doctor and pursue medicine?
My fascination with medicine deepened into a calling when my mother, a single parent, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Watching her navigate a confusing, often dismissive healthcare system became the moment I knew this wasn’t just a childhood dream. It was an assignment.
What are some of your duties as Medical Advisor for Black Girl Vitamins?
It’s a true privilege to serve as Medical Advisor for Black Girl Vitamins. I get to do exactly what I love, which is translate health information into something accessible, relatable, and actionable for the community. Black Girl Vitamins is committed to closing the health disparities gap for Black women, and that mission aligns perfectly with the work I’ve been doing throughout my career. Together, we bridge those gaps through educational webinars, community seminars, and content that empowers women to advocate for themselves and make informed health decisions.
Please tell us about your recent Black Girl Wellness Fest event.
The fest was a beautiful weekend of real talk, real answers, real empowerment, and real love! We wanted to bring together medical professionals, mental health experts, lifestyle leaders, and cultural voices under one roof so the community could get questions answered, have their concerns heard, and build their confidence to walk fully equipped into their next doctor’s appointment, ready to advocate for themselves. Chicago showed up and showed out!
The fest kicked off on Friday night with the Fitness Party Experience, which featured several specially curated fitness classes, including Banded Glutes & Juke Squats, Hip Hop Trampoline, and Mat Pilates, along with a live DJ and the Medase Mocktail Bar serving elevated, alcohol-free cocktails for an amazing vibe and atmosphere.
Saturday began the all-day Wellness Fest featuring the Wellness Stage with in-depth conversations on Black women’s health. We also had Expert-Led Breakout Sessions on a broad range of topics, including nutrition, hormonal health, fitness, mental health, and financial wellness.
The Wellness Marketplace featured more than 50 Black-owned and wellness-focused brands spanning beauty, nutrition, and lifestyle. Physical activity was also a big part of the day, with the MOVE stage having various movement sessions led by Chicago fitness instructors throughout the day, and we even had Chicago’s 40+ Double Dutch Club out doing their thing.
With all that you do, how do you maintain your mental health and actively participate in your own self-care and wellness?
I live by my own philosophy: “Me first, then everybody else.” It’s not selfish, it’s survival. As women, especially women of color, we’re conditioned to put ourselves last, and that habit catches up to us in our health later in life. For me, self-care looks like unapologetic “do not disturb” days, daily exercise, intentional stress checks, and protecting the boundaries I set around my time. I refuse to be the doctor preaching wellness without practicing it. I am my first patient.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I haven’t always lived this way. During medical school, I was a single mother raising my son while pursuing my MD, and I put myself dead last for years. My health quietly suffered for it. I gained weight. I developed prediabetes. I was the picture of what happens when capable women neglect themselves to serve everyone else. It took intentional changes in lifestyle, mindset, and how I valued myself to reverse all of it. That season is exactly why “Me First, then everybody else” isn’t just a brand tagline. It’s a lived testimony.
Best advice you’ve been given?
Take care of yourself first, because if something happens to you, life still moves on. Pour into yourself with the same energy you pour into everybody else.
Best advice you have to give?
Three things. First, see your doctor at least once a year, every year, no exceptions. Second, know your labs and the actual numbers, not just “everything looked fine.” Third, keep your own written health record so you can be a true partner in your care and not just a cog in the healthcare system’s wheel. You are your own first responder. Act like it.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Me first, then everybody else.” It’s a reminder that prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish; it’s the only way you can keep showing up for the people who need you most. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
What’s next for Dr. Bryanne Standifer-Barrett?
A whole lot, and I’m so excited about it. I’m continuing to spread the message of health education and patient advocacy through speaking engagements, my Me First Series of health record planners, and ongoing work with Black Girl Vitamins as Medical Advisor. I’m also launching my own boutique Internal Medicine practice designed to close the access gaps the traditional healthcare system creates, especially for Black and Brown patients. Through telemedicine and direct, personalized care, I plan to be part of the solution to a problem I see every single day in the clinic. The work is bigger than me, and we’re just getting started.
For more information on Dr. Bryanne Standifer-Barrett, please visit www.bryannemd.com, and for more information on Black Girl Vitamins, please visit www.blackgirlvitamins.com, and connect with them on social media at @blackgirlvitamins.
