A photo of Alexandra Sims.

Attending Physician, Division of General and Community Pediatrics

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

513-517-1253

Board Certified

"I like to bring my whole self to my professional life and enjoy partnering with diverse teams to find solutions. I think about the many factors that affect child health. Often, I ask, 'What else could be going on with this patient?'"

My Biography & Research

Biography

As a primary care pediatrician, I see patients in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics. I’m also a researcher who brings a multidisciplinary point of view to patient care.

When I was 10, I had a sibling with severe congenital heart disease. It was formative for me to spend time in the hospital visiting her and be around healthcare providers. What I experienced with my own family inspires me to have a positive impact on patients and families with empathy and compassion.

I like to bring my whole self to my professional life and enjoy partnering with diverse teams to find solutions. I think about the many factors that affect child health. Often, I ask, "What else could be going on with this patient?" or "Whose perspective is not represented in this research project, but should be?" I also try to make any team I’m a part of fun! This approach includes both the clinic environment and research teams. I always bring a smile, a listening ear and an open mind to every encounter.

I was recognized as one of the Top 50 Alumni Exemplars in 2018, which is an award from George Mason University, my undergraduate alma mater. My time in college shaped me personally and professionally. I explored many different topic areas, including how culture, health and disease all intersect. Receiving this award felt special because it signified the top 50 graduates during the institution's history and helped me reflect on all that I'd accomplished.

Health inequities are an unfortunate reality in our country, including here in Cincinnati. I consider myself a physician-advocate and want to partner with interdisciplinary teams, patients and families to find solutions to health disparities.

In my free time, I love to cook! I especially like trying to recreate dishes from fancy restaurants. I enjoy using a variety of spices and herbs — the more colorful the better. I also like reading, spending time outdoors, growing and tending my expansive houseplant collection, and spending time with my partner, Derrick.

Clinical Interests

General pediatrics; primary care

Research Interests

Health disparities; social determinants of health; population health; epidemiology; health equity for Black populations

Academic Affiliation

Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

Clinical Divisions

General and Community Pediatrics

Research Divisions

General and Community Pediatrics

My Locations

My Education

BA: Anthropology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 2009.

MD: The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington DC, 2013.

Residency: Children's National Hospital, Washington DC, 2016.

Chief Residency: Children's National Hospital, Washington DC, 2017.

Certification: General Pediatrics, 2017.

Fellowship: General Academic Pediatrics, Washington DC, 2020.

MPH: Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute of Public Health, Washington DC, 2020.

My Publications

Factors that Influence Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) Medical Students to Pursue a Career in Academic Pediatrics. Dixon, G; Kind, T; Wright, J; Stewart, N; Sims, A; Barber, A. Journal of the National Medical Association. 2021; 113:95-101.

A Case of the Microaggression Mondays. Sims, AM. Academic Medicine. 2020; 95:1874-1875.

Juvenile Justice and the Primary Care Pediatrician: Where Do I Fit?. Sims, AM; Dooley, DG. Pediatrics. 2020; 146.

Vulnerable Child Syndrome and Newborn Screening Carrier Results for Cystic Fibrosis or Sickle Cell. Farrell, MH; Sims, AM; Kirschner, AL P; Farrell, PM; Tarini, BA. Journal of Pediatrics. 2020; 224:44-50.e1.

Keep That Same Energy. Sims, AM. JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association. 2020; 323:95-95.

Factors That Influence the Choice of Academic Pediatrics by Underrepresented Minorities. Dixon, G; Kind, T; Wright, J; Stewart, N; Sims, A; Barber, A. Pediatrics. 2019; 144.

Using a Community Bus Tour for Pediatric Residents to Increase Their Knowledge of Health Disparities. Lichtenstein, C; de la Torre, D; Falusi, O; Sims, A; Smiley, Y; Baiyewu, M. Ambulatory Pediatrics. 2018; 18:717-719.