A Lifelong Passion for People

Dr. Alexandria Cummings, Pediatrician, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Central Florida Health Care

A certain high school teacher of Dr. Alexandria Cummings would often get frustrated because the then-teen simply wouldn’t consider any alternatives to a career in medicine.

“We were all required to take a career exploration class where we had to research a different career option every week…the teacher told me I needed to seriously look into other options so I wouldn’t be disappointed when I didn’t get accepted into medical school,” she recalls.  “Three years later, at high school graduation, I had the pleasure of informing her that I was contingently accepted into Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Class of 2022.”

That acceptance letter was the realization of Dr. Cummings dream of being a doctor that took root as early as 4 years old.

Today, she is helping families navigate the health and futures of their children, from newborns to 18 years old, as a pediatrician for Central Florida Health Care.

“I spend my day in equal parts convincing toddlers to let me look in their ears, reassuring parents that it’s okay that their sick kid only wants to eat popsicles, and cheering on my patients (and their parents) when hurdles are overcome or big life events occur,” she says.

THE LAKELANDER
Why did you choose to work with the healthcare network and/or hospital you are currently part of?

DR. CUMMINGS
When I was interviewing with Central Florida Health Care, I just had a feeling of “I belong here.” I really have a difficult time explaining it but I remember calling my residency mentor immediately after my interview and telling her “I think I need this job.” Not in the sense of I need the job to pay my bills but I needed to be with Central Florida Health Care specifically to start my career as a physician because of the opportunities and support they could provide me as well as the perspective and experience offered by the patients and their parents. 

THE LAKELANDER
What do you love most about your profession?

DR. CUMMINGS
I love getting to connect with children and their families and go through every stage of childhood with them. There is something incredibly special about meeting a first-time parent with their newborn and watching them grow from being nervous to confidently caring for their child, then growing their family.

THE LAKELANDER
What is the biggest challenge you face in modern medicine?

DR. CUMMINGS
Social media by far, which is frustrating because I also find it can be a huge advantage. It can be such an educational tool through sharing of evidence-based information, increasing awareness of diseases and safety measures and teaching families to advocate for their children. At the same time, it allows misinformation to spread quickly and really muddies the water of credible vs. false and misleading information. As a new pediatrician, to my clinic and to the profession, this makes it more challenging to build trust and help some families.

THE LAKELANDER
What is something you would suggest more people do to take better care of themselves?

DR. CUMMINGS
I like to believe that everybody is just doing the best that they can and we can all be easier on ourselves and give grace, especially during hard times. 

THE LAKELANDER
Has there ever been a moment where you were off the clock where you heard, “We need a doctor!” and jumped into an emergency situation? If so, please share.

DR. CUMMINGS
Luckily I haven’t had this scenario but I’ve definitely answered numerous phone calls and text messages from family and friends when their child has a rash, someone cut their arm on broken glass or they’re in the medication aisle at the pharmacy with endless options of cold medicines. 

THE LAKELANDER
Outside of work, where might someone find you in your free time?

DR. CUMMINGS
Being fairly fresh out of residency, I’m getting the chance to develop a new version of “me.” I like to call myself the collector of hobbies right now because I’m trying to decide what I want to be my thing in addition to finally having the time and means to travel. A stroll around Target with Starbucks and a good audiobook or a day at home with my husband and our two dogs and two cats are always a solid go-to. 

Central Florida Health Care Pediatrics
cfhc.org/location/lakeland-pediatrics
866.234.8534

“The quality of healthcare that I deliver on a daily basis to my patients matters most to me because I do feel it’s a calling and an honor to serve in this capacity.”