10 Questions with Pediatrician Kimberly Brown, MD

Earlier this fall, pediatrician Kimberly Brown, MD, with Valley Health Partners–Children's Clinic at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, was honored by Community Services for Children with the 2021 Donley Award. The award recognizes those who are devoted to improving the well-being of children, which is something that Brown has been passionate about throughout her entire medical career.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award from Community Services for Children,” Brown says. “My work addressing the population health needs of children and their families is very meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. My goal is to provide the medical care and resources needed to every family I see, no matter what their social circumstance, so that their children can achieve optimal physical health and mental well-being.”

Get to know Dr. Brown through her answers to our 10 questions interview:

My mother was a nurse during World War II. She filled me with medical stories from the time I was a young girl. I couldn’t imagine a more meaningful thing to do than healing people.

The most challenging clinical work I did was taking care of children with congenital HIV infection at a time when limited options were available and some children were dying of AIDS. Slowly at first, then more quickly, novel medications were developed that controlled these diseases and many lives were saved. I watched those children grow into adults, get married and have children of their own (who were free of infection because we learned how to prevent transmission during pregnancy).  

I hope my patients and their parents see that I care about their health and well-being. I also hope that they trust my medical advice.

I have two wonderful children: A daughter who is a teacher in New York City and a son who is in medical school. While I devote most of my time and energy to my work during the week, I plan something to look forward to on the weekends and I absolutely cherish family time whenever we can be together.

I enjoy walking on the beach, strolling flower gardens, exploring new bike trails, bird-watching (a new challenge), crossword puzzles and reading (something I’ve enjoyed since I could first hold a book).

That’s a tie between my mom’s homemade cherry pie for my birthday (July 5) and her pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. I carry on the tradition of making those pies now.

Hugs from my dog, Annie! Also, if I don’t get some exercise most days, I get antsy.

I was totally hooked on the original Star Wars movies when they first came out. The special effects were mesmerizing at the time.

Rome – I loved exploring the history and famous sites with my son when he was 11 years old.

I trained for and ran a half marathon for my 50th birthday.