About
Dr. Jennifer Richards founded Real Family Medicine in Farmersville, IL after two decades of practicing family medicine in the traditional insurance-based system. She earned her undergraduate degree from Central College in Pella, Iowa in 1993. She then completed her medical degree at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1998 and finished her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Iowa Department of Family Medicine in 2001.
Following residency, Dr. Richards spent 20 years at Springfield Clinic, practicing in both Family Practice and Prompt Care. She served as Medical Director for multiple facilities, including Vonderlieth Living Center, Lewis Memorial Christian Village, Safe Haven Hospice, and several others. She currently holds the Medical Director role at Hands of God Hospice in Springfield and serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine at SIU in Springfield, IL. Her clinical focus spans preventive care, chronic disease management, pediatrics, geriatrics, medication management, and in-office procedures. She is passionate about nutrition and practical approaches to healthy living. A self-described country girl at heart, she brings that grounded sensibility to every patient relationship.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Central College, Pella, IA — Graduated 1993
Medical School
University of Iowa — Graduated 1998
Residency
University of Iowa Department of Family Medicine — Graduated 2001
Additional Training
Associate Professor of Medicine at SIU, Springfield, IL
Who is Dr. Richards right for?
Dr. Richards serves patients from infancy through older adulthood, making her a strong fit for families who want one trusted physician for everyone at home. Adults managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension benefit from her focused approach to ongoing disease management and medication oversight. Older patients and those needing geriatric or hospice-adjacent care find her background especially relevant. Patients who value direct access to their physician and a doctor who takes a genuine interest in their overall wellness, including nutrition and lifestyle habits, will feel at home in her practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Richards treats a broad range of conditions across all age groups. Her focus includes chronic disease management, preventive care, pediatrics, and geriatrics. She also handles urgent care needs and medication management within the membership.
Dr. Richards completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Iowa Department of Family Medicine. She has practiced family medicine for over 20 years, beginning her career at Springfield Clinic in 2001.
Dr. Richards performs mole removal, suturing, cryotherapy, and joint injections directly in the office. Patients do not need a referral to an outside facility for these common procedures.
Yes, Dr. Richards offers in-home visits throughout the surrounding area. A small add-on fee applies based on distance, ranging from $10 for visits within 30 miles to $20 for visits between 46 and 60 miles.
Dr. Richards spent 20 years at Springfield Clinic in both Family Practice and Prompt Care. She also served as Medical Director for multiple long-term care, hospice, and residential facilities across central Illinois. She currently serves as Medical Director at Hands of God Hospice and as an Associate Professor of Medicine at SIU in Springfield.
Yes, Dr. Richards sees patients of all ages, including newborns, children, and seniors. Pediatric and geriatric care both fall within her clinical focus.
Dr. Richards takes an active interest in nutrition and practical healthy living. The practice offers programs including Healthy Cooking Classes, a Changing Habits program, and Grocery Tours to help patients build sustainable habits alongside their clinical care.
Yes. Membership at Real Family Medicine includes after-hours direct access to Dr. Richards. Patients can contact her directly rather than navigating a phone tree or on-call service.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026