Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
Growing up in Jasper, Alabama, Leah Kimbrell always had an interest in the medical field and knew she would pursue a career that fulfilled this interest. Her decision to become a respiratory therapist was guided by this desire, along with her heart for serving others.
“I knew I wanted to be in the medical field. I spoke with some nurses and therapists and considered social work for a while. Ultimately, respiratory therapy seemed like a good profession where I could best take care of people,” says Leah.
Leah completed the necessary schooling at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville while gaining hands-on experience at Walker Baptist Medical Center. Following graduation, she moved to Starkville, Mississippi, where she began working with adult and pediatric patients.
Upon moving back to Jasper, Leah found her home at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Though she had never planned on working primarily in pediatrics, Leah grew to love the environment Children’s provided for its patients and employees.
“When I was younger, my best friend was treated at Children’s for leukemia and ultimately passed away. So, at first, I was hesitant to work there because of those memories,” says Leah. “But after going to work there, I ended up in the Oncology Department, and I loved it. I loved those patients, and it was really rewarding to be able to help them every day.”
After fifteen years, Leah decided to find a job closer to home, which would allow her more day-to-day flexibility with her family. Though she had no experience in medical equipment sales, Leah was given an opportunity at Med-South of Jasper and dove right in.
At Med-South, Leah’s experience as a respiratory therapist allows her to tackle her daily responsibilities with professionalism. However, it is not just a desk job. Leah travels to surrounding counties, installing at-home medical equipment and communicating with other medical professionals to better serve her patients.
Juggling a career and a family, Leah is thankful for the opportunity Med-South has given her to be home, closer to family, and pursue her passion, all while making a difference in the community. WL
