This spotlight series highlights the individuals behind the white coats, their journeys, passions, and the impact they’re making in the field of medicine. Today, we highlight Olivia Cummings, MD, MSc.
Incoming Resident: Olivia Cummings, MD, MSc
Where are you from?
New York
Where did you attend Medical School?
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Favorite memory of Medical School?
Medical school was an incredible journey. Volunteering at free clinics and joining street medicine outreach clinics deeply shaped the kind of physician—and person—I aspire to be.
Favorite memory of your intern residency year?
I loved working with and learning from the amazing PGY-2s and Chiefs on ophthalmology consults! A close second: intern retreat at the Lake of the Ozarks!
Why did you choose Ophthalmology?
I discovered Ophthalmology later in medical school, but it quickly checked all the boxes for me. It’s a surgical subspecialty (I love the OR!), has the most awe-inspiring physical exam in medicine, and involves some of the most fascinating pathology. I value the field’s focus on research and innovation, and as someone passionate about global health, I’m inspired by the field’s strong history of international partnerships. I’m also excited to engage with the complex care of patients with vision-related disability throughout my career.
Why did you choose WashU Medicine?
I was so impressed by WashU during the interview process! The program felt genuinely supportive and resident-focused, and everyone I met, from the residents at the pre-interview social to the attendings on interview day, was down-to-earth, welcoming, and kind. I was looking for a program that had it all: a collaborative culture, strong faculty across every subspecialty, robust research opportunities, and a track record of producing excellent graduates who go on to become leaders in the field. I also loved that there is an opportunity to pursue a chief year in ophthalmic trauma. Best of all we get to care for a diverse patient population at safety-net hospitals. WashU truly offers the full package. It is an honor to be a resident here!
What do you like most about St. Louis?
As a lifelong Northeasterner, the Midwest was totally new to me. Nonetheless, I’ve really come to love life in St. Louis. It’s such an underrated city with so much to offer, and many of the best parts are free like Forest Park, the Zoo, many of the museums, and outdoor shows at the Muny or Shakespeare in the Park. I live next to Forest Park and run there several times a week, which has been a highlight. As a foodie, I’ve also been impressed by the varied, delicious, and affordable food scene here!
What are you most looking forward to during your residency?
I’m so excited to dive into the world of Ophthalmology! We have amazing opportunities to learn from renowned faculty and truly train with the best. I’m really excited to spend more time this year on consults. Otherwise, I’m especially looking forward to getting into the OR. Right now, I’m thrilled that our PGY-2 surgical curriculum is about to begin, with one-on-one teaching in a brand-new, state-of-the-art wet lab!
What specialty are you most interested in?
TBD! One of the reasons I chose Ophthalmology is that I can genuinely see myself in most of the subspecialties. I’m excited to explore them all here at WashU.