Dunbar celebrates doctor's new practice

LEE COUNTY, Fla.—Dr. Alyson Lewis Sanchious is making a significant impact in the Dunbar community with her family practice on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. 

Her clinic, Thrive Direct Primary Care, opened its doors in May 2025, offering essential medical services to uninsured patients or those seeking a more personal healthcare experience.

Dr. Sanchious, born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was inspired to pursue a career in medicine due to her own experiences as a child with asthma. She said, "I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the East Coast, and growing up, I had really bad asthma, so I used to go to the doctor a lot. And my mom found the doctor for me, a black female pediatrician. And you know, I just fell in love with her. She was such a role model for me, and she took very good care of me."

After excelling in math and science during high school, Dr. Sanchious earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Florida and attended medical school at Florida State University. She completed her residency at Lee Health, where she became the first African American resident physician to graduate from their family medicine residency program.

"After residency, I worked for seven years at a local FQHC, which is like a federally qualified health center," said Dr. Sanchious, "and then I knew ultimately that I wanted to open my own practice, and tons of my patients just were looking forward to me opening a practice, and wanted me to open a practice. So I got the opportunity to open up here."

Dr. Sanchious specializes in personal primary care, women's health, and comprehensive weight management. Her practice is the first primary care office to operate in the Dunbar community in several years. She aims to provide a welcoming and understanding environment for her patients.

"My patients love it because they get dedicated time for them. You know, there's no rush, there's no double booking, there's no waiting, you know, 5-10 days to get an appointment," said Dr. Sanchious. "People also feel that I'm very relatable, that they can openly talk to me without being judged, and that I take time to actually explain things to them. They're the only person in the waiting room. I schedule the appointments 30 minutes to one hour, so we take however much time is needed to go over whatever it is that, you know, we need to discuss."

Dr. Sanchious hopes her journey will inspire young people to pursue their dreams. "Always believe in yourself. You can do whatever you want. Stay committed to your goal. Don't let anyone talk you down, be negative, or talk you out of your dreams. Set your eye on the goal and just achieve it," she said.

Thrive Primary Care plans to host community events throughout the year, offering services such as free mammograms and colorectal cancer awareness.