At the Heart of Health: Pediatrician dances with delight at the opportunity to keep kids – and adults – healthy
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s Tiffany Kimbrough exchanges her stethoscope for weights and a headset microphone twice a week – but her sweet spirit is the same wherever she goes.
July 23, 2026
Tiffany Kimbrough, M.D., is the medical director of CHoR’s Complex Care Clinic and the Transitional Care Unit on CHoR’s Northside campus. In her spare time, she is an instructor at a fitness studio. (Eva Russo, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU)
By Kate Marino
Caring for kids is undoubtedly a calling for Tiffany Kimbrough, M.D.
After becoming a full-time attending physician at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU in 2015, the former chief resident quickly rose to medical director of the mother-infant unit while continuing to see patients in the pediatric primary care clinic. Over time, she saw a growing need.
When children have complex illnesses, there’s a lot to consider – coordinating care among multiple specialists, managing medications, accessing medical equipment and more. Kimbrough’s heart called her to develop the Complex Care Clinic, a hub to help these kids and their families thrive. Today, she’s also medical director of the Transitional Care Unit on CHoR’s Northside campus, meeting the medical needs of the 30-plus children who call the unit home.
“Every one of my patients is traveling their own unique medical journey,” Kimbrough explained. “My goal is to know each one of them and their families so our team can be a central source of care, communication and support as we work together toward their goals.”
Tiffany Kimbrough, M.D., has been a CHoR team member since 2015. (Eva Russo, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU)
Well known for her calm kindness and clinical acumen, it’d be easy to believe that Kimbrough spends every waking minute at the hospital the way she attends to the details of each patient. She knows, though, that she can only be her best by finding the right balance. And a workout, to Kimbrough, is as good for the body as it is for the soul.
“While I love my job as a physician, it can be really stressful. Moving my body with joy is a way to move that cortisol in and through my body,” Kimbrough said. “I started taking classes online during the COVID pandemic as a way to move my body in a socially-conscious way.”
She fell in love with the dance-inspired fitness classes at SHiNE and eventually began attending in person. The easy-to-follow-format and spunky music made them fun, and the welcoming atmosphere matched Kimbrough’s energy in the halls of CHoR.
“The classes are a great physical workout, but the sense of community and camaraderie were equally appealing. I knew this was a place that could support my overall wellness so I can best care for my patients, my family and myself,” she said.
Every one of my patients is traveling their own unique medical journey. My goal is to know each one of them and their families so our team can be a central source of care, communication and support as we work together toward their goals.
Tiffany Kimbrough, M.D., medical director of CHoR’s Complex Care Clinic and the Transitional Care Unit
Finding balance is always at the back of Kimbrough’s mind, whether for her own health or the health of her patients. Though kind and humble, she is a powerful advocate for keeping kids and families healthy and thriving – and they sing her praises.
“I have no idea how she provides the level of care that she does to all of her patients. I’m positive she’s superwoman,” laughed Stephanie McFarland, who credits Kimbrough for helping her three children with complex medical needs flourish.
“I have honestly never met a doctor with more empathy, expertise or deep attentiveness and understanding than Dr. Kimbrough. We feel so blessed that she is our children’s pediatrician,” said another parent in a patient satisfaction survey.
A pediatrician passionate about adult health too
A leader by nature, Kimbrough was inspired to take the next step after participating in exercise classes for several years.
Tiffany Kimbrough, M.D., said she hopes to be a “source of encouragement” for others. (Eva Russo, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU) “I caught the instructor bug and wanted to teach,” she said. “I loved the community aspect and sharing the joy that I felt by being in a body-positive space where movement was celebrated in a fun way.”
Now twice a week, usually Saturday morning and Tuesday or Thursday evening, you can find her at the front of the studio, encouraging each participant to smile – and sweat – as they build strength and boost confidence. She always invites colleagues and friends to join her.
“Once I came to one class, I was hooked,” said Kelly Lastrapes, M.D., a hematology/oncology and palliative care physician at CHoR who works closely with Kimbrough and has now been exercising with her for two and a half years. “I danced all the way through my youth and college and stopped abruptly when I started medical school. It felt so good to move my body in that way again!”
Participants describe her style as energetic, encouraging and engaging.
“It was so fun, and such a solid workout that left my muscles sore in the best way,” explained Rev. Ashley Oliver-Thomas, who was invited and attended her first class a few weeks after becoming a chaplain at CHoR. “I laughed at myself the whole class time. It reminded me to never take myself too seriously. I will absolutely be going again.”
I know how important it is to take care of this one body we’re given. I want to encourage other people to find a space where they are celebrated for who they are today and not feel judged.
Tiffany Kimbrough, M.D., medical director of CHoR’s Complex Care Clinic and the Transitional Care Unit
Kimbrough is sure to stress that her class is a judgement-free zone.
“She is so warm, inviting and inclusive of all abilities,” Oliver-Thomas added. “You don’t have to worry about being called out in any way, shape or form during the class. She would never do that. She wants you to enjoy yourself, no shame allowed.”
Kimbrough often reminds attendees that no one’s watching, and everyone has a first class.
“I know how important it is to take care of this one body we’re given,” she said. “I want to encourage other people to find a space where they are celebrated for who they are today and not feel judged.”
A fervor for fitness with a deeper meaning
One of the many reasons these particular classes resonated with Kimbrough was because of their accessibility, not only for people of all ages and fitness levels, but financially too.
Class fees are minimal, intended to cover the cost of space rental and insurance. Any remaining funds are donated to breast cancer organizations at the end of the year, which means she teaches the classes for free.
“I wanted to become an instructor to be a source of encouragement. This is an environment where we can all feel positive about what we’re doing,” she added. “It’s good for the body, mind and heart.”
For Kimbrough, it’s all about helping others – something her colleagues see every day.
“She cares about the well-being and success of each person who attends her class in the same way she so deeply cares about each one of her patients and their families,” Lastrapes said.
Oliver-Thomas agreed, “Dr. Kimbrough's kindness is not exclusive. It is extended to everyone who’s lucky enough to cross paths with her, in clinic, in class and anywhere else.”
Tiffany Kimbrough, M.D., is known at CHoR for her calm kindness and dedication to her patients and their families. (Eva Russo, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU)
This story is part of a VCU Health News series called “At the Heart of Health,” which spotlights VCU Health and VCU team members whose passions outside of the workplace inspire and support the community.
