Drs. Travan and Travis Jasper, 56-year-old identical twins, began serving as co-medical directors of the emergency department at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, in April. The brothers grew up in Richmond and were the first in their family to attend college before returning to their hometown to lead the emergency department.
According to HCA Healthcare, the brothers are the only twins currently leading a hospital department within the health system’s capital division, which includes 18 hospitals across Virginia and New Hampshire. Before returning to Richmond, the brothers practiced medicine at separate hospitals in Georgia. They attended Stanford University for their undergraduate degrees and the University of Chicago for medical school.
The twins stated that their interest in medicine began at age 12, following an experience with a doctor while their uncle was hospitalized for liver failure. Travan Jasper reported that the family lacked running water during their childhood and gathered water from local parks. The brothers graduated from high school as co-valedictorians before leaving the city for their medical training.
To assist colleagues and patients in distinguishing between them at work, the brothers wear different colored scrubs, specifically green and purple. They reside in the same building and, in addition to their medical roles, support a youth basketball organization. The brothers reported they were initially hesitant to return to Richmond due to concerns about treating acquaintances, but they eventually decided to return to provide care for their community.
The management of emergency services at the facility involves HCA Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare networks in the United States. Patients visiting the ER will see the results of this dual-leadership structure in their interactions with medical staff. Travis Jasper stated his objective when seeing a patient is to do good, regardless of financial concerns.
The appointment is the only instance within the HCA capital division of co-leadership by identical siblings. The move also highlights physician recruitment from local backgrounds to address community health needs. As the Jaspers continue their roles, they will be responsible for clinical excellence and collaboration among the ER staff. Future developments will depend on the hospital’s performance and patient outcomes under their joint direction.