Winchester, VA — Blue Ridge Care announces Sonja Richmond, MD, as Chief Medical Officer, Hospice. Dr. Richmond brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience, with extensive expertise in hospice, palliative, and primary care, as well as leadership in medical operations, clinical education, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Richmond has held leadership roles across multiple hospice organizations. In these roles, she has overseen medical staff, led quality improvement initiatives, developed clinical education programs, and fostered partnerships to enhance patient care. She has also contributed to long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation settings, earning recognition for her innovative and compassionate approach to healthcare delivery.
As a nationally recognized speaker and certified yoga instructor, Dr. Richmond integrates mindfulness and wellness practices into her approach to leadership and team development. She believes in nurturing both patients and care providers—body, mind, and spirit.
Dr. Richmond earned her Doctor of Medicine from The George Washington University School of Medicine, completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the same institution, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Virginia. She is a board-certified Hospice Medical Director and holds board certifications in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Internal Medicine. She has also served on the Advisory Council for Compassion and Choices and frequently presents at national healthcare and end-of-life care conferences.
"Dr. Richmond brings a rare combination of vision, expertise, and compassion," said Altonia Garrett, MBA, MHA, RN, Chief Operating Officer at Blue Ridge Care. "Her innovative approach and national thought leadership will help guide Blue Ridge Care into the next era of hospice—one that prioritizes whole-person care, clinical excellence, and meaningful connection."
Blue Ridge Care is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare to individuals and families across the region. The addition of Dr. Richmond strengthens the organization's mission to support patients and communities with excellence, empathy, and innovation.
About Blue Ridge Care
Blue Ridge Care is an integrated, not-for-profit healthcare system that delivers compassionate, high-quality care across a healthcare system of non-acute services, including hospice, serious illness care, home-based care through its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) at Blue Ridge Independence at Home, grief and bereavement support, and community thrift shops. As a teaching organization, Blue Ridge Care is dedicated to advancing the education and training of healthcare professionals and caregivers, while reimagining care to address the medical and holistic needs of aging individuals and those with chronic, serious, and terminal illnesses.
