Cynthia Williams, MD

Cynthia Williams, MD, is an internal medicine doctor and endocrinologist based in the South Bay. Born and raised in the Midwest, she earned a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition. After medical school, she relocated to Southern California to complete her subspecialty training in internal medicine and endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Harbor-UCLA. Dr. Williams started her concierge primary care practice in 2009.

Share a pivotal moment that inspired you in your career.

Years ago I realized that I needed to put patients first. As a solo practitioner, I realized that private and public insurance organizations were pressuring doctors to increase the number of patients seen, which made the process of thoughtful evaluation, communication and follow-through too time-pressured. I was among one of the first in the community to switch to a concierge practice model. Over the past 15 years, patients have recognized that a concierge physician practice allows for a personal, comprehensive and long-term relationship with your primary physician and is an incredible value.  

Whom do you credit for your success in your career?

My endocrinology professors. Across the board, they were intellectually curious. It was extremely important to understand the whys of a condition. Endocrinologists are taught to do the deep dive in medicine. Why is the body doing this? How do we treat it? How can we modify it? 

What is your focus in your work?

My emphasis has always been to know my patients on a personal level. Working on an impersonal level is a foreign concept to me. 

What’s new for your practice?

I’m excited to announce that, later this year, I am adding a full-time internist, David Weiss, MD, to my practice. He is a dedicated, long-term practitioner with whom I trained. He is known for his thoroughness, educational background and communication skills. It is time for me to bring on a full-time, experienced physician associate, and I am happy that Dr. Weiss will be here to provide his attentive, personal patient care.

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell