Buffalo State Talks Lecture Series

The Alumni Engagement Office partners with The Honors Program each semester to bring you "Buffalo State Talks," a lecture series featuring faculty, staff, and alumni from Buffalo State University. Each lecture is different, highlighting popular discussions and topics within the world today.

When: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Where: at the JVL Alumni & Visitor Center
Cost: Free to attend!

Alex Ford, '12 is our spring lecture series alumni speaker! Alex's bio and headshot are below.

The Path of Purpose: How Nutrition Fueled my Medical Career

Dr. Alexander Ford is a native of Albany, N.Y., and has volunteered with 4th Family for over ten years. He attended Christian Brothers Academy and then enrolled at Buffalo State University, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. After graduating, Dr. Ford returned to Albany, N.Y., interested in wellness and preventive medicine. He worked as a Registered Dietitian while completing his remaining coursework to attend medical school and become a physician. While working and studying, Dr. Ford volunteered as a nutrition educator at 4th Family.

Dr. Ford has worked with Albany Damien Center (ADC) as the Community Nutrition Educator. He oversaw ADC’’s Smart Meals nutrition program and developed educational materials to inform people about good nutrition. Eager to understand nutrition policy and better serve his community, Dr. Ford then worked as a Public Health Nutritionist for the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). After a year at NYSDOH, Dr. Ford left to matriculate at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Dr. Ford graduated with his doctorate in 2020 from their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Dr. Ford’s objective in medical school was to merge his nutritional expertise with his medical education and give people the knowledge to feel empowered to manage their health.

Upon graduating from PCOM, Dr. Ford joined Cleveland Clinic’s Family Medicine Residency Program, where he completed his training as a family medicine physician. While working in the program, Dr. Ford regularly taught medical students and lectured to medical professionals. In Dr. Ford’s final year of training, he earned the 2023 Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Resident Teacher Award. Dr. Ford moved home after completing his residency training and works as a Family Medicine physician at Community Care Physicians. Dr. Ford also volunteers as the Director of Medical Education at the nonprofit 4th Family Inc, and serves as a Ringside Physician for USA Boxing.