Bravo’s Married to Medicine has welcomed a fresh face to its eleventh season: Dr. Mirica “Mimi” Sanders. A board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry, Dr. Mimi brings a unique and much-needed perspective to the show’s dynamic group of doctors, wives, and entrepreneurs.
In an exclusive interview with Kori Nicole Barnes for Where Is The Buzz. Dr. Mimi opened up about her journey into medicine, her decision to join Married to Medicine, and how she is navigating the often dramatic world of reality television. With the ladies embarking on a high-stakes couples’ trip to Key West, tensions are running high, and Dr. Mimi’s skills as a psychiatrist may be put to the test sooner than expected.
From Performing Arts to Psychiatry
Born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Mimi’s path to medicine was anything but conventional. As a child, she was deeply immersed in the performing arts, training extensively in ballet, violin, and various dance styles, including jazz, tap, and lyrical. She even auditioned for the prestigious Juilliard School. Though she ultimately pursued a different career path, her dedication to excellence remained a driving force in her life.
“I’m a nerd at heart,” Dr. Mimi shared, reflecting on her academic ambitions. She earned a degree in chemistry from Tennessee State University before continuing to medical school at Ohio University College of Medicine. After receiving her doctorate, she completed her psychiatry residency at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, later furthering her expertise through additional training at Case Western Reserve University’s Public and Community Psychiatry Fellowship Program.
A Psychiatrist Among the Chaos
Dr. Mimi’s introduction to the Married to Medicine cast was nothing short of eye-opening. Her first time meeting the ladies was at the show’s Med Gala, where their immediate reaction made it clear she would be in high demand.
“When I told them I was a psychiatrist, they all said, ‘Oh, we need you, we need you!’” she recalled with a laugh. It was only later that she fully understood why—years of deep-seated tensions, unresolved conflicts, and shifting alliances had created an emotionally charged environment.
As a newcomer, Dr. Mimi had to quickly navigate these dynamics while maintaining her neutrality. One of the first cast members she connected with was Dr. Heavenly Kimes, who gave her some valuable advice:
“She told me, ‘I want you to get to know the ladies through your own lens despite what I got going on.’ I respected that so much because it allowed me to form my own opinions instead of feeling pressured to take sides.”
Mediating Drama and Maintaining Balance
While reality television is known for its high drama, Dr. Mimi approaches conflicts with an analytical mindset. She describes herself as a “resolver at heart” and remains hopeful that she can help the group communicate more effectively.
“I try to step back and piece things together. When you’re in the middle of multiple arguments, it’s overwhelming, but my job as a psychiatrist is to help people understand and process their emotions.”
At the same time, she is careful to separate her professional expertise from her personal interactions with the ladies. “I don’t counsel them as patients,” she clarified. “But as a friend, I do check in, like, ‘Hey, are you good?’ because at the end of the day, we all need support.”
Advocating for Women’s Mental Health
One of Dr. Mimi’s biggest passions is raising awareness about women’s mental health, particularly in reproductive psychiatry. This emerging field focuses on the psychological challenges women face during key reproductive stages, including pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, pregnancy loss, and menopause.
She co-founded Inner Community Health with her husband, Steve Sanders, combining their expertise to offer mental health services tailored to women’s unique needs. Through Married to Medicine, she hopes to normalize conversations around mental wellness.
“It’s okay to go see a psychiatrist. It’s okay to go see a therapist. Taking care of your mental health is an act of self-care, and I want people to embrace that.”
Balancing Career, Family, and Reality TV
Beyond her medical career and new reality TV role, Dr. Mimi is also a dedicated wife and mother. She and Steve have been married for ten years and share three children: their 23-year-old bonus son, Armier, their eight-year-old son, Stevie, who has special needs, and their soon-to-be seven-year-old daughter, Savannah, whom Dr. Mimi describes as “a firecracker.”
With so many responsibilities, she acknowledges that true balance is nearly impossible. Instead, she embraces integration.
“I have to figure out what needs to take priority at any given moment. It’s not uncommon to see my kids at the office after hours while Steve and I wrap up work. We make it work as a family.”
She credits her husband’s unwavering support for helping her manage it all. “He’s incredibly active in our kids’ lives, from school to extracurriculars. We’re a team.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Medical Professionals
Dr. Mimi is committed to mentoring aspiring medical professionals. Her practice partners with local medical schools and physician assistant programs to provide students with hands-on experience.
“I want them to see that there are so many paths within medicine. Whether it’s media, entrepreneurship, or collaboration with other fields, there are endless opportunities beyond traditional clinical work.”
She also encourages young doctors to stay resilient. “Medical school is tough, but keep your goal in sight. Representation matters, and I want the next generation to know that they can achieve anything.”
What’s Next for Dr. Mimi on ‘Married to Medicine’?
As Season 11 continues, fans can expect to see more of Dr. Mimi’s dynamic presence within the group. Whether she’s mediating conflicts, offering emotional support, or simply having fun with the ladies, she hopes viewers get to see her full personality—both as a psychiatrist and as a person.
“I want people to know that I’m not just a doctor. I love to have a good time, I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m here to make a difference.”
With tensions already bubbling in the group and a high-stakes trip to Key West on the horizon, Dr. Mimi’s ability to stay calm under pressure will be put to the test. Can she help bring peace to the Married to Medicine cast, or will the drama prove too much even for a psychiatrist to handle? Fans will have to tune in to find out.
Catch Dr. Mimi on Married to Medicine Season 11, airing Sundays on Bravo.
