Dr. Rani G. Whitfield

Rani G. Whitfield
Dr. Rani G. Whitfield of Baton Rouge, LA [ Credit: Southern University System ]

Tha Hip Hop Doc

Dr. Rani G. Whitfield is a Board-Certified Family Physician with a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Sports Medicine, currently in private practice in his hometown of Baton Rouge, LA. A proud graduate of Southern University and A&M College, he earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, before completing his Family Medicine residency at Franciscan Medical Center in Dayton, OH. His passion for sports medicine led him to Ohio State University, where he obtained his CAQ in Sports Medicine.

A Leading Voice in Heart Health & Stroke Awareness

Dr. Whitfield is a longtime National Spokesperson for the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA), earning prestigious honors, including:

  • ASA Southeastern Affiliates Service Award (2008)
  • American Stroke Association Legacy Award (2009)
  • ASA National Ambassador Award (2007)

Honors & Awards

His dedication to public health, medicine, and the arts has earned him numerous accolades, including:

  • Time Warner Power Forward Award (2006)
  • YMCA Black Achievers Award (2007)
  • NAACP Freedom Award (2008)
  • Baton Rouge’s Top 40 Under 40 (2008)
  • American Academy of Family Physicians Public Health Award (2010)
  • Louisiana’s Best Dressed (American Cancer Society – 2012)
  • Dancing with the Stars (Big Buddy – Baton Rouge, 2010)

His passion for health education through music was showcased in his music video “Let’s Go”, featuring hip hop artist Love-N-Pain and R&B vocalist Ian Von, which was nominated for the 2011 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 3rd Annual Film Series.

Recognized as a Community Leader

Dr. Whitfield has been honored with several community-based awards, including:

  • Baton Rouge YMCA Legends Ball Award
  • The Drum Newspaper’s Top People to Watch in 2014
  • Cumulus Urban Achievement Award (2014)
  • The Rouge Collection’s Top 25 Most Influential People in Baton Rouge (2014)
  • Louisiana Public Broadcasting President’s Award
  • Charles I. Hudson Visionary Award
  • Pink Starfish Award (Louisiana Coalition of African American Breast Cancer Survivors)

In August 2015, he was inducted into the University High School Hall of Distinction, and in January 2025, he was honored by Delta Sigma Theta’s Baton Rouge Chapter for his contributions to medicine and mental health.

National Media & White House Recognition

Dr. Whitfield has been featured on numerous TV and radio programs, including:

  • The Tom Joyner Morning Show
  • The Chuck D Show
  • Sway in the Morning
  • MSNBC with Joy Reid/Ed Schultz
  • CNN with Dr. Sanjay Gupta

In December 2014, he was invited to the White House with 29 other community leaders for a roundtable discussion on healthcare—hosted by none other than President Barack Obama. Just days later, he proposed to his wife, Kiara, marking a truly unforgettable moment.

Leadership & Advocacy

Dr. Whitfield continues to serve as a past Vice Chairman of the Southern University System Board of Supervisors, a member of the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and a key appointee on Governor John Bel Edwards’ Louisiana Health Equity Task Force, tackling health disparities affecting African Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Children’s Book Author & Tour

Dr. Whitfield recently published his first children’s book, RJ Did It!, which takes readers on a heartwarming journey of childhood milestones through engaging rhymes. Inspired by his son, RJ, the book celebrates family, growth, and essential life skills. Currently, he is on a 29-school book tour in East Baton Rouge Parish, captivating young audiences with a dynamic mix of reading, music, and rapping.

A Legacy of Excellence & Creativity

A University High School alumnus, Dr. Whitfield was a standout student-athlete and performer, serving as:

  • Class President (Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Years)
  • All-State Honorable Mention Basketball Co-Captain
  • Lettering Two-Sport Athlete (Basketball & Track)
  • Lead Actor as the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance
  • Four-Year Honor Roll Student

Tha Hip Hop Doc – Music Meets Medicine

Known as Tha Hip Hop Doc, Dr. Whitfield fuses music and medicine to educate communities about health and wellness. One of his favorite music videos, “Cookie Dough”, is a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Kiara. Watch it here: “Cookie Dough” Music Video.

He is a husband, father of two beautiful children, and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Passions Beyond Medicine

Outside of his medical career, Dr. Whitfield enjoys:

  • DJing (as DJ D.O.C.)
  • Playing bass, singing, and rapping with his band, U4ria
  • Exercising & playing basketball
  • Cooking & winemaking
  • Riding his Honda Goldwing Trike

Dr. Whitfield’s commitment to community health, education, and entertainment continues to impact lives, blending medicine, music, and mentorship in ways that inspire and empower.