Doctors Express, the first ever national urgent care franchise, has awarded a territory to a local businesswoman who plans to revolutionize medical care in the Columbia area with a new concept in healthcare. Dawn Richardson, with more than 15 years experience in healthcare management, was awarded the exclusive rights to the Doctors Express center in Columbia, along with her business partner, Dr. Lori Lord. The team plans to establish a high quality walk–in medical center that is comfortable and convenient for patients.

“We are excited to be awarded this tremendous opportunity with Doctors Express and look forward to providing patient–focused, affordable healthcare to patients in and around Columbia,” says Richardson. “Our overall goal is to improve the patient experience. This region needs a new healthcare solution, and we believe this is it.”

The Doctors Express walk–in medical center differs from other medical clinics by offering a consistent, broad range of treatment and services on the spot. Under one roof, experienced physicians will diagnose and treat illnesses, dispense medication, and have the capabilities to x–ray and set broken bones. The centers also include on–site labs that give quick test results for ailments such as mono and strep throat. Plus, the average wait time to see a physician is only 15–20 minutes. This is the first time urgent care has been nationally franchised. The national franchise will benefit the local Doctors Express by sharing best practices across all centers and leveraging its size to keep prices lower for local consumers.

Local physician, Dr. Lord, is a highly credentialed doctor (and former Navy physician) who specializes in urgent care and is board certified in internal medicine. She will deliver affordable, efficient, non– emergency treatment to almost anyone who walks in. Dr. Lord has teamed up with Doctors Express franchise owner, Dawn Richardson, to assist her in managing the business. Dr. Lord will treat patients and oversee all of the day–to–day medical operations of the center. www.DoctorsExpress.com.