Dr. Thomas Cummings, M.D.

Biography

Dr. Thomas J. Cummings, M.D. was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. His attraction for writing began in the seventh grade when his English teacher told him he had a gift for telling stories with written words. Decades later, he hasn’t forgotten that simple, encouraging, life-changing compliment. Throughout high school,

college, and medical school, Thomas worked to improve his writing skills, with the goal of fulfilling his belief that we are to use our gifts to serve others. He is grateful to his family, friends, teachers, and coaches who helped him along the way and who are far too many to mention here.

Thomas J. Cummings received his M.D. degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Camden, New Jersey, and then completed a residency in Anatomic Pathology and a fellowship in Neuropathology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Cummings is currently on faculty at Duke University Medical Center where he is tenured Professor of Pathology and Professor in Ophthalmology. He lectures extensively on Ophthalmic and Neurological Pathology around the world on six continents (and Antarctica is not out of the question). He’s written and co- authored more than one hundred medical manuscripts and book chapters, won multiple teaching awards, and is sole author of the textbook, Ophthalmic Pathology: A Concise Guide, published by Springer Medical Publishing Company.

The Shoulder-Ride Gift is Thomas J. Cummings’ first work of fiction. Its premise is that shoulder-rides are uplifting — literally — for children and adults. The goal of the story is to inspire others to get involved and connect with a child through the gift of a shoulder-ride — either their own child, or, by volunteering at orphanages, hospitals, or any other place where there is a child in need. Shoulder-rides are free, and no special equipment or set-up is necessary, somewhat analogous to why football (soccer) is the sport of the world. Even if only for a few minutes, a simple shoulder-ride could be the highlight of a child’s day, especially a child who is disadvantaged, ill, bullied, or lonely. A shoulder-ride can also be the highlight of the day for the adult offering it; indeed, they are some of Thomas’ most treasured memories of being a parent. The motto of the story is: The Shoulder-Ride Gift: Give One, Receive One.

The Shoulder-Ride Gift is coming soon to wherever books are sold, with the goal of transforming this basic, simple concept into a thriving global reality. The Shoulder- Ride Gift: Give Leprosy a Lift; and, a children’s book version of The Shoulder-Ride Gift, are Dr. Cummings’ current works in progress. Proceeds from these books will be dedicated to helping others locally and globally with physical disabilities,

mental disabilities, cancer, leprosy, tropical diseases, other illnesses, and social disadvantages.

If you want to learn more, please visit: www.theshoulderridegift.com. Thomas J. Cummings is managed by Peter Miller, the “Literary Lion”, at Global Lion Intellectual Property Management, Inc. (www.globallionmanagement.com).