Women making a difference in medicine: Dr. Tiffany Kimbrough

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re recognizing several of the women who make up our incredible team. Dr. Tiffany Kimbrough is the medical director of our Mother-Infant Unit and Complex Care Clinic and also provides care to patients in the pediatric primary care clinic. She received her medical degree at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Was there someone who was a role model to you or inspired you to become a doctor?

One of my role models is my college advisor, Professor Barber. She was my pre-health and research advisor in college, and I learned so much from her about research design and a career in academics. I completed my honors thesis with her in neuroscience on the topic of memory and was blessed to learn about work-life balance, career trajectory and applying to medical school from her. I am a first-generation college student and there was no blueprint for me on how to move forward with my career goals. Her mentorship was a pivotal point in my journey and I am forever thankful for having that relationship in my life.

What advice do you have for women interested in a career in health care?

You should follow your passion and find women within your chosen field who are like-minded for guidance. Ultimately, it is important to chart your own path. A solid sounding board is critical since no two careers are alike and only you know what your values are. The culture in medicine is improving but there is still a lot of work to be done to achieve greater equity for women in the field.

What’s the most meaningful comment a patient family has made to you?

"You really listen and care about my child - not every provider is like that." The culture of medicine has us going from start to finish in a day (and then some). I try to stop my brain from thinking three steps ahead and be present in the exam room with my families – to hear their concerns and reflect what I have heard to confirm their values and goals. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know families and their children to help them achieve what wellness looks like for them.

How do you recharge?

Church is important to me and helps to ground me in my calling to serve patients and their families. I enjoy time with my family and being a wife and parent to two amazing children.

What excites you about the future of medicine?

I am excited about the increased spotlight on inequity in medicine and the importance of bridging those gaps to improve representation in all fields. I am also excited about additional research around social injustices and how those impact the health and care of our patients.