Dr. Kia Tisdale’s journey, rooted in her hometown of Hampton, Virginia, has blossomed into a profound legacy of medical expertise and community activism. Her academic pursuit led her to the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, where she obtained her medical degree in 2002. Specializing in Internal Medicine/Women’s Health during her residency, Kia laid the groundwork for a career marked by compassion and dedication to women’s health issues.
Upon completing her residency, Kia and her family lived in Hagerstown, MD, where she quickly became an integral part of her children’s educational journey and the broader community. Kia’s role as a mother intertwines seamlessly with her professional ethos, as evidenced by her initiative to organize and host educational and rewarding activities like book clubs and math clubs, expanding on her children’s school experience and that of their peers.
Kia’s commitment to education and community service extends beyond school activities. Her involvement with the Board of Education and her work on a task force to increase the number of Black teachers in Washington County underscore her dedication to fostering diversity and representation in education. This commitment stems from a profound belief in the importance of children seeing themselves reflected in their leaders and mentors, a principle that guides much of her community work.
Her contributions to healthcare and the community were recognized in 2018 when Meritus Health System honored her with the Physician Community Service Award. In 2021, seeking proximity to her children’s schools, she transitioned to Johns Hopkins Community Physicians at Urbana, continuing her exemplary medical career while maintaining her active involvement in community and school activities.
As a founding member of the Women Solve organization’s Seed to Roots Youth Arts Performance series, now in its fourth year, Kia has been instrumental Warrior in creating opportunities for Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) student artists and performers to showcase their talents. This initiative stands as a testament to her passion for creating visibility and representation opportunities, reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of visibility and representation in shaping future generations.