ABOUT HIP HOP DOC
Rani G. Whitfield, MD AKA “Tha Hip Hop Doc”
Dr. Rani G. Whitfield, a Board Certified Family Physician with a Certificate of added qualification (CAQ) in Sports medicine, is currently in private practice in his native Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Whitfield attended University Highz School in Baton Rouge, and then earned his undergraduate degree from Southern University and A&M College also in Baton Rouge. He completed medical school at MeHarry Medical College in Nashville, TN, completed his residency in Family Medicine at Franciscan Medical Center in Dayton, OH and went on to earn his Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine from Ohio State University. Dr. Whitfield is an impassioned advocate for increasing the awareness of health related issues, such as HIV/AIDS, obesity, cardiovascular disease and substance abuse affecting today’s youth. Dr. Whitfield is very active in his local community and the surrounding areas.
In 2004 Dr. Whitfield was selected by BET to appear on the critically acclaimed hit show “106 & Park” to discuss HIV/AIDS. In 2005 he agreed to become one of several noted professionals (Rev. Calvin Butts, Hill Harper, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Patti Labelle, comedian/actress Mo’Nique, Al Sharpton, Omar Tyree, Dr. Joycelyn Elders, etc) to share wisdom via a book entitled Not In My Family – a collection of essays that discuss AIDS in the African American community. He was featured in the book I Am A Father with his daughter, edited by David Manuel; on the “Road to Health Tour: alongside nationally syndicated radio commentator and television talk show host Tavis Smiley; and has been a featured guest on the Michael Baisden Show, the Tom Joyner Show and a regular guest on the legendary Chuck D. show, On the Real. He has represented the American Heart/American Stroke Association and its Power to End Stroke campaign with the late Yolanda King (daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr.), gospel artists Bebe Winans, NBA analyst Kenny “The Jet” Smith, actress Cicely Tyson, R&B singer Chrisette Michele, and current past president of the American Heart Association Dr. Donna Arnett. As a result of his knowledge and exposure, in November 2007 “Tha Hip Hop Doc” served as Medical expert for a one hour special on BET entitled “What You Know About That” discussing sexual health, STD’s and HIV. Dr. Whitfield has also been featured on CNN and MSNBC multiple times discussing his community outreach as “Tha Hip Hop Doc”, heart health and Health Care reform in 2009. He has produced three music CD’s entitled “Tha Hip Hop Doc presents: State of Emergency”, My Life In Your Hands, and Get on Tha Bus; recorded 6 YouTube music videos; and has published a comic book series entitled The Legion of Health, as vehicles to encourage young people to adopt good health habits. In June of 2011 he was personally invited by Ms. Cicely Tyson to deliver the commencement address for the Cicely Tyson School of Performing Arts in East Orange, New Jersey. In March of 2012, he traveled with Southern University and A&M College staff and students to Kampala, Uganda to keynote an address on the use of telemedicine and electronic medical records in underserved areas. Dr. Whitfield also has his own health segment called Prescription for Health on LPB’s award winning show The State We’re In which airs monthly and is on its second year.
He has volunteered invaluable time and knowledge throughout the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. He is also a physician volunteer and medical director for the National Association of Free Clinics Communities are Responding Everywhere (C.A.R.E) which provides free health care to underserved patients across the USA. He is an active member of the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP); American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM); American Medical Society of Sports Medicine; Louisiana State Medical Association (LSMA); and East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Society (EBRPMS). He is also an Ambassador/National Spokesperson for the American Heart Association, a Board member for the organization’s Southeastern Affiliates, and a member of the American Stroke Association’s Advisory Committee. Of his accomplishments though, even the $21,000 he helped raise as a member of the American Heart Association, Dr. Whitfield calls his most crowing achievement his six year old daughter Raina.
He is the recipient of the Time Warner Power Forward Award (2006), YMCA Black Achievers Award (2007) The American Stroke Association Ambassador Award (2007), the NAACP Freedom Award (2008), Baton Rouge’s Top 40 people under 40 (2008), the American Stroke Association Southeastern Affiliates Service Award (2008), the American Stroke Association Legacy Award (2009) The American Academy of Family Physicians Public Health Award (2010) and Winner of the Dancing with the Stars, Baton Rouge (2010). His music video “Let’s Go” featuring hip hop artist Love-N-Pain and R&B vocalist Ian Von, was nominated for the 2011 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 3rd Annual Film Series.
Dr. Whitfield serves on the board of Directors for Susan G Komen and is and advisory board member for the Junior League and I-Care.
On November 15, 2013, Dr. Whitfield will be honored at the Legends Ball for his continuing support and time to help to improve our community and his tireless effort to help others.
In his leisure time he plays bass guitar and sings/raps with his band U4ria, exercises regularly, and is terrific cook. His most shining possession is his daughter and princess Raina Aerie Whitfield.
