Tadarro Lee Richardson, Jr., MD, is a board-certified physician who specializes in general cardiology with The Christ Hospital Physicians – Heart & Vascular. He treats patients at the Ft. Wright location.
Dr. Richardson majored in Spanish in college with plans to be a professor, but after serving as a medical interpreter on a mission trip, he was inspired to pursue a career in medicine. The choice was natural as his father was a physician and his mother was a critical care registered nurse. “They both greatly influenced my approach to lifelong learning, kindness and service to others, and commitment to being a good listener,” he says.
When providing care, Dr. Richardson often integrates multi-modal imaging techniques which enable him to develop precise treatment plans tailored for each patient. But he adds that his listening skills and the opportunity to get to know his patients and their families are just as important when developing those treatment plans.
“I love to work alongside patients to educate and empower them to attain the best cardiovascular outcomes possible,” he says. “We achieve that goal through a longitudinal relationship that is honest, transparent, and motivating. But they are the ultimate arbiters for their care plan, and I view myself as more of a hybrid coach and guide.” He says he drives this point home when meeting with his patients by quoting one of his favorite Peloton instructors – “I make suggestions, you make decisions.”
Dr. Richardson earned a Bachelor of Arts in both Spanish and Biochemistry from Transylvania University. He earned his Medical Degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he served as Chief Resident and helped to lead 160 internal medicine trainees during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also completed his fellowship in cardiology at Vanderbilt. He is especially proud to have provided care for U.S. Veterans during his 8 years in Nashville, TN at the Tennessee Valley Veterans Affairs Hospital.
He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, as well as the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Richardson is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the American Society of Echocardiography.
When not providing care, Dr. Richardson values spending time with his family including his children and his wife, also a physician, who he met during his first day of medical school. They live in Northern Kentucky and enjoy cheering on the University of Kentucky Wildcats, attending concerts, hiking, and exploring local parks and playgrounds with their children.