About
Dr. Cynthia Richards is a board-certified family medicine physician with 18 years of clinical experience. She grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she attended Charlottesville High School as valedictorian of her class. She earned her BA in English cum laude from Dartmouth College before completing post-baccalaureate premedical training at Stanford University.
Dr. Richards received her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She completed her family medicine residency at Valley Medical Center in Renton, Washington, an affiliate of the University of Washington. Before founding Hearthstone Family Medicine, she spent eight years in rural practice in Haywood County, North Carolina, then joined Sentara Martha Jefferson Forest Lakes Family Medicine. Patients consistently describe her as thorough, attentive, and deeply engaged in their care. Outside the clinic, Dr. Richards rows with the Rivanna Rowing Club and enjoys hiking, running, and contra dancing.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Dartmouth College, BA in English (cum laude)
Medical School
University of Virginia
Residency
Family Medicine, Valley Medical Center (University of Washington affiliate), Renton, WA
Additional Training
Post baccalaureate, premedical training at Stanford University
Certifications
Who is Dr. Richards right for?
Dr. Richards is a strong fit for adults and teenagers aged 16 and older seeking thorough, relationship-driven primary care. Patients who want a physician who takes time to listen and investigate complex or overlooked health concerns benefit from her approach. Her background in rural family medicine gives her broad clinical range. Those managing chronic conditions or navigating multiple health concerns will find her comprehensive style especially valuable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Richards specializes in family medicine and provides primary care for adults and patients aged 16 and older. Her clinical experience spans 18 years, including eight years in rural practice where she managed a wide range of conditions. She holds board certification in family medicine.
Yes, Dr. Richards holds board certification in family medicine. She completed her residency at Valley Medical Center in Renton, Washington, an affiliate of the University of Washington, and has practiced family medicine for 18 years.
Dr. Richards earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She completed her family medicine residency at Valley Medical Center in Renton, Washington, a University of Washington affiliate. She also completed post-baccalaureate premedical training at Stanford University.
Dr. Richards schedules appointments at 30 minutes or longer when needed. That time allows her to thoroughly review a patient's health history and concerns without rushing. Same or next day appointments are also available for urgent issues.
Dr. Richards takes a thorough, unhurried approach to each visit. Patients describe her as comprehensive and attentive, with a strong ability to investigate concerns that other providers have missed. She guides treatment decisions collaboratively with each patient.
Yes, Dr. Richards offers same or next day appointments for members who wake up feeling sick or have urgent concerns. Members can call or text the practice to request a same-day visit.
Yes, Dr. Richards offers telemedicine consultations. Members can connect with her via video, phone, text, or email. These visits are included in the monthly membership with no extra charge.
Hearthstone Family Medicine currently operates with a waitlist due to high community demand. Prospective patients can join the waitlist through the practice. Dr. Richards meets with each new patient before finalizing enrollment, and all enrollments require her final approval.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026