A Baylor legacy across generations
For this Baylor family, medicine is more than a profession—it’s a legacy shaped by resilience, curiosity and a shared commitment to helping others.
That legacy began in the 1960s, when Katherine “Kathy” Kemp, M.D., ’66, studied at Baylor College of Medicine as one of only a few women in her class. Her determination and commitment to her field led to a successful career in radiology, helping open doors for future generations.
Decades later, that influence would extend to both of her daughters, Elise Kibler, M.D., ’02, and Kirsten Kibler, M.D., ’05, who carried forward her passion for science, patient care and lifelong learning. Together, their shared connection to Baylor has deepened their appreciation not only for medicine, but for the journeys that brought each of them there.
“Kirsten and I have a new respect for our mom and how hard she worked to become a successful radiologist,” Elise said. “She was a true pioneer.”
Their mother’s experience at Baylor laid the foundation for a career defined by growth and adaptability. During her training, radiology was limited to plain films. Over time, she embraced emerging technologies and learned ultrasound, CT scanning and MRI as the field rapidly evolved. Her willingness to continuously learn became a defining example for her daughters.
“I looked up to my mom growing up,” Elise said. “Her strength and intellectual curiosity inspired me to keep learning.”
Kathy’s journey was also marked by resilience. As a physician and mother of three, she navigated the demands of a medical career while raising her family, at one point as a single parent after the loss of her first husband. She went on to build a successful career, practicing radiology at Northwestern in Chicago before returning to Houston, where she served patients at the Medical Clinic of Houston.
Her connection to medicine began even earlier. Kathy’s father, Karlton Kemp, was a physician and surgeon who served in World War II. Like many physicians of his time, he trained broadly across specialties and cared for patients across disciplines—delivering babies, performing procedures and serving as a trusted physician in their hometown of Texarkana, Arkansas. A painting of Karlton hangs in their home, a lasting reminder of the family’s deep roots in medicine and a legacy of service that continues across generations.
For both Elise and Kirsten, watching their mother balance career and family was formative, shaping not only their paths to medicine but also the values they carry forward today.
Their Baylor experiences, while decades apart, share a common thread—the power of mentorship and community. Kathy recalls supportive classmates and faculty who helped her succeed at a pivotal time in medicine. Elise and Kirsten found that same spirit at
Baylor through mentors who encouraged them, inspired them and made them feel part of something larger.
That sense of connection has endured well beyond their time on campus. Today, they remain active alumnae and ambassadors in the San Antonio community, where they continue to engage with fellow Baylor graduates and support the next generation of physicians.
“We feel indebted to Baylor for the opportunities it gave us,” Elise said. “It’s a lifelong network, and one we’re proud to be part of and eager to support.”
Their story is a powerful reminder that the impact of a Baylor education extends far beyond a single career—it shapes families, strengthens communities and carries forward across generations.
