Daphne Bazile-Harrison, MD, is the medical director of OB-GYN for the Bon Secours Richmond Medical Group. Dr. Bazile-Harrison was recognized as the 2024 Bon Secours Richmond Market Physician of the Year. In addition, the city of Petersburg, Va., recently presented her with a proclamation for her commitment and service to the community.
In this Q&A, we get to know more about Dr. Bazile-Harrison and her impact on women’s health and the community.
Q: Tell us about your background and what led you to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology.
A: I originally hail from Brooklyn, N.Y., and completed my undergraduate studies at Barnard College, Columbia University. Following that, I ventured to Washington, D.C., where I attended Howard University College of Medicine. I knew I wanted my focus area to be obstetrics and gynecology. I spent time as a faculty member at Howard, where I felt a profound calling to directly impact women’s health through patient-centered care.
Q: What prompted your transition from academic medicine to a focus on patient care and community outreach?
A: While my time in academic medicine was important, I realized that I yearned for more direct patient interaction and a deeper involvement in addressing health care disparities. In 2016, I moved to the Richmond area and joined Bon Secours – Southside Medical Center in Petersburg. This marked a pivotal moment in my career, allowing me to channel my passion for community service and patient advocacy into tangible initiatives.
Q: As the medical director of obstetrics and gynecology for the Bon Secours Richmond Medical Group, what are your primary responsibilities?
A: In my role, I oversee patient care within the Richmond Medical Group and serve as the main facilitator between OB-GYNs and administration. This involves ensuring compliance with policies and standards while advocating for patients’ and practitioners’ needs.
Q: You’ve been actively involved in community outreach and education. Can you share some of the initiatives you’ve participated in?
A: Community outreach has always been close to my heart. One of the initiatives I am particularly proud of is the Pink Party, which originated from observing women missing important preventative screenings due to work commitments. Through collaboration with city and state departments, we organized dedicated time off for mammograms, providing essential screenings alongside educational sessions and support.
Q: How do you advocate for women’s health beyond the medical setting?
A: Advocacy plays a significant role in my work. I have had the privilege of participating in roundtable discussions with governors and state leaders. Through this work, I have focused on working with others to expand access to health care for women while thinking holistically about women’s health.
Additionally, I am committed to advocating and educating others about issues such as infant and maternal mortality rates and promoting the importance of preventive care within communities.
Q: Could you tell us more about your work with younger populations?
A: One agency that I have worked with is Hebron VA Inc., which empowers underserved youth. This partnership allows me to engage with teens and preteens, discussing topics such as menstrual health, body awareness and peer pressure. By providing education and fostering open dialogue, we empower young individuals to advocate for their own health and well-being.
Q: What drives your passion for women’s health and community empowerment?
A: My passion stems from a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the women and communities I serve. It is important to me that the communities I serve see doctors as people who care about them. We are not just white coats. Whether advocating for preventive care, addressing health care disparities or empowering the next generation, I am fueled by the belief that everyone deserves access to quality health care and the opportunity to thrive.
Learn about the obstetrics and gynecology services as well as the maternity care services we provide at Bon Secours.
