x
Breaking News
More () »

NICU patient grows up to be pediatric resident at same hospital

He spent a month in the NICU at Connecticut Children's as an infant. Now, Dr. Cummins is a pediatric resident at the same hospital.

HARTFORD, Conn. — 27 years ago, Dr. Matthew Cummins was born premature -- at just 32 weeks -- in the same hospital neo-natal intensive care unit that he has recently been working in.

He spent a month in the NICU at Connecticut Children's as an infant. Now, Dr. Cummins is a pediatric resident at the same hospital in Hartford and is sharing his unique perspective with the parents of patients.

“I think I have a lot better understanding of what happened to me and I can reflect that to the parents that I am taking care of, I think I can offer them a little hope – a look into a future outcome,” Cummins said. 

Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines

Marge Julian, the director of nursing at the neo-natal ICU at Connecticut Children’s said that Dr. Cummins' rotation through the NICU at the hospital has been a welcome addition.

“It’s been fulfilling to see Matt in this phase,” said Julian, “and to help him continue to grow and develop into becoming a physician -- and to help parents.” 

VERIFY: Yes, there are ways to determine if a KN95 or N95 mask is counterfeit

Cummins, from Old Saybrook, hopes to practice as a pediatric cardiologist down the road, said sharing his past as a patient in the NICU is all part of paying things forward.

“It’s very cool, it’s surreal honestly,” Cummins added, “there is something very special about being able to be there.”

RELATED: 'I don’t know how he survived' | Dad on a mission for justice after son's leg amputated follow horrific crash in Rocky Hill

Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

---

Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com

---

HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS

Download the FOX61 News APP

iTunes: Click here to download

Google Play: Click here to download

Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.

Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTERFACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

Before You Leave, Check This Out