These Black Twins Are Leading One of Richmond’s Busiest ERs

For decades, patients arriving at emergency rooms in Richmond, Va. may have encountered either Dr. Travan Jasper or Dr. Travis Jasper. Now, for the first time, they may find both.

The identical twin physicians have returned to the city where they were born and raised to lead the emergency department at Chippenham Hospital together, creating what hospital officials describe as a rare leadership partnership rooted in family, service and community.

The 56-year-old brothers have spent nearly every major milestone side by side. They graduated as co-valedictorians of their Richmond high school class, attended the same college and medical school, according to ABC News. They were even the first in their family to earn college degrees and pursue careers in medicine.

The brothers spent 15 years in Georgia, serving as co-medical directors of Fairview Park Hospital, according to HCA Healthcare. But they have recently returned home as co-medical directors of the emergency department at Chippenham Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare. According to the health system, they are the only twins currently leading a hospital department within its Capital Division, which includes 18 hospitals across Virginia and New Hampshire.

“Their unique leadership and shared dedication to advancing patient care make for a remarkable story within HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading healthcare networks,” the company wrote in a statement.

In an emergency room, seconds can save lives. For Richmond’s newest medical leaders, their homecoming has been decades in the making.

“It’s a real honor to have that opportunity to care for people you know and you’re close to,” Travis told ABC News.

Ironically, returning home was once something they actively avoided. Early in their careers, both worried about the pressure of treating neighbors, former classmates and longtime friends. Experience eventually replaced hesitation with confidence.

It wasn’t long before brothers began reaching out to people they had known for decades.

“‘Come to Chippenham if you want excellent care in the emergency department,’” Travis recalled telling friends and community members. “‘We’re going to be a part of it.’”

Hospital leaders say the brothers’ partnership strengthens both patient care and staff leadership. Chippenham CEO Lance Jones praised their commitment to “clinical excellence, collaboration and compassionate care.”

Outside the hospital, the two fathers — raising a total of eight children — mentor young people through youth basketball programs, hoping to inspire the next generation of physicians and community leaders.

Their bond, Travis said, has always been their greatest advantage.

“That’s always what’s been special for me,” he said, describing his brother as his “superpower.”