Two sisters and physicians, Dr. Jacqueline Philips and Dr. Lorraine Phillips, have launched Melanin Doctor, the first Black-owned telehealth service designed exclusively to serve Black women.
The platform was inspired by their mother’s health journey. After struggling with diabetes, she experienced a life-changing transformation through GLP-1 medications—treatments that remain under-prescribed to Black patients despite proven effectiveness.
Closing Gaps in Health Care
Black women face disproportionately high rates of obesity and diabetes, with 57% classified as obese compared to 36% of white women, and 12.7% diagnosed with diabetes compared to 6.9% of white women.
Yet, research shows they are less likely to be prescribed GLP-1 weight loss medications, even when clinically eligible.
“Since starting Melanin Doctor, we’ve spoken with countless Black women who had never heard of GLP-1 medication from their doctors – or worse, had their questions dismissed under the assumption they couldn’t afford it,” said Lorraine Phillips, co-founder of Melanin Doctor.
Her sister, Dr. Jacqueline Philips, emphasized the importance of access:
“Too often, Black patients are left out of conversations about the most effective treatments. At Melanin Doctor, we’re committed to ensuring patients not only have access to the right medications, but also the education and guidance they need to make the best decisions for their health.”
What Melanin Doctor Offers
Melanin Doctor is a direct-to-patient telehealth service that connects users with licensed clinicians while offering clear, accessible education on treatment options such as GLP-1 medications.
The founders say the goal is to remove systemic barriers that have historically prevented Black women from receiving the care they deserve.
Beyond health care access, the sisters aim to build economic empowerment by hiring Black clinicians and creating remote career paths for Black health professionals nationwide.
While the platform currently focuses on weight loss medications for Black women, services will soon expand to include care for Black men.
“As sisters, and as daughters who saw our own mother’s health transform, we built this company for women like us – to make sure access, answers, and options are finally within reach,” Lorraine Phillips said.
