Kadisha B. Rapp, M.D., is a Houston-based emergency physician who recently launched a new international medical service that is used by a growing group leading business people, athletes and celebrities. Dr. Rapp’s concierge service specializes in offering convenient and high quality medical treatment for a variety of ailments faced by her high-end business and celebrity clientele while on tour or away for business.
What inspires you to show up to work every day?
The act of improving the quality and quantity of the lives of others through the practice of Emergency Medicine inspires me. Emergency medicine physicians are the resuscitation and complication specialists. We are the soldiers on the front line against acute illness and injury. That inspires me to no end.
How did you determine your career path?
In high school I initially wanted to be a photojournalist or jazz pianist. I auditioned and had been accepted to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Literary and Media Arts program. However, my family urged me to pursue a more stable career and my Grandmother threatened to disown me if I left Catholic school. At the time, I was in Honors’ Biology. The workings of the human body and other living things interested me more than anything outside of music and journalism. So I decided to go as far as that interest would take me, and here I am.
Why did you start the tour and concierge medical service?
There is a strong entertainment and business community in Houston, I discovered a tremendous need for reliable convenient and confidential medical services performed by a trustworthy doctor. I’ve always enjoyed working one-on-one with patients and as an emergency medicine doctor, I am very efficient with the services that I provide. As a loyal client base grew, I was inspired to establish the service.
What services do you offer?
I treat a multitude of conditions without the inconvenience of a hospital or office visit. Those conditions range from various infections such as ear and sinus infections, boils (abscesses) , to lacerations, to nosebleeds, food poisoning, dehydration, and more. If the conditions are severe enough to require a hospital visit, I will escort my patient to the hospital or call ahead to expedite my client’s registration process hasten treatment.
How do you stay abreast of changes in your field?
I do so by attending the Scientific Assembly of the American College of Emergency Physicians every few years, and by attending smaller review courses every couple years. I also subscribe to the Journal of the American Medical Association, and The Annals of Emergency Medicine. Lastly, Emergency Physicians are required to do Lifelong Learning Self Assessment tests every year between certifications.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
Oprah Winfrey,Michelle Obama
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you?
It means that success can be measured by what a person does to improve and contribute to his or her community. I try to do my part outside of work through recycling, donating to my local charities and imparting medical information through various media devices. Lastly, I give lectures and teach CPR to people in under served areas in the U.S. and around the world. I recently returned from such a trip to Khayelitsha, a township outside of Capetown, South Africa as part of a medical mission trip with my church.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would you change?
I would end poverty.
To learn more about Dr. Rapp’s services, visit her on Twitter @RappMD or her website www.drkbrapp.com
