Hear about our Physician of the Month: Dr.Kimberlynn Heller

Dr. Kimberlynn Heller was born and raised in Flint, Mi. At an early age, Dr. Heller knew she wanted to become a physician, and learning how to spell “Obstetrician” while in kindergarten, in order to get her mother to stop telling people she wanted to be a Pediatrician.

Her interest in medicine and science was encouraged and fostered by her entire family, but especially her Dad, and grandfather. The former, who was a willing Show and Tell specimen and Science fair co-conspirator, and the latter who taught her rudimentary dissection skills with cleaning fish.

Dr. Heller, following in the footsteps of Dr. Daniel Halle and Dr. Charles Drew, two of her heroes, matriculated at Howard University. While at Howard, Dr. Heller was able to participate in research in Microbiology, and work at the FDA, and at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. This provided experience and perspective that would strongly influence her later practice.

She returned to Michigan for medical school. While there, she became active in the Student National Medical Association, as well as the Student Council. In both organizations, she attempted to highlight issues of disparity and racism that adversely affected students of color.

Dr. Heller completed her medical training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Illinois- College of Medicine at Peoria, where she was the recipient of the first-ever Angel Award, as well as becoming Chief Resident.

Soon after arriving in Oregon, Dr. Heller set to work in advertising her presence, as well as becoming active in the community. Within her first three years, she became a board member of the International Center for Traditional Childbearing, as well as volunteering her time as a member of CareOregons’s Quality committee. Both of these organizations provided the opportunity to continue to positively impact access to equitable care.

In 2012, Dr. Heller helped to start The Oregon Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology group. As a co-owner and founder, she was able to help her partners to see the disparate treatment endured by Black, Brown, and Indigenous patients. With the support and urging of her partners, she became a representative Board Member of The Oregon Clinic, which provided her the opportunity to promote change within the organization in regard to the hiring practices and a new emphasis on equity in healthcare. A result of this change is visible in the marketing strategies and health outreach efforts of the Clinic.

Dr. Heller is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is also a charter member of the local Jack and Jill of America Chapter. She is a wife, mother to a brilliant 10-year-old, and is still a Star Wars geek.