Soul of 78: Katlyn Sides Cummings
Physician in Residency
Words by Nick Norris | Images by Ryan McGill
The Sides family has etched a significant legacy in Walker County. George Sides, Sr. opened his business in 1962, and Sides Furniture has since become a cornerstone of the local community. Decades later, the family's reputation received a boost when George's granddaughters, Katlyn and Kendall, secured offers to play collegiate softball.
Nearly six years after graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Katlyn Sides Cummings has moved beyond the sport that was once an integral part of her life. While she cherishes her past as an outfielder for the Blazers, Katlyn has spent recent years forging a new identity in the medical field.
The 27-year-old alumna of Sumiton Christian School holds multiple degrees, graduating from UAB in 2018 and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn University in 2023. Currently, the Dora native is immersed in a rigorous residency program at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, Alabama.
"I'm on an inpatient rotation right now," Katlyn explains, "and I told my mom that it's similar to playing softball in October. I wake up earlier than I should and go to bed a lot later than I should. I'm exhausted, but I wake up the next day really excited about going back and doing it all again."
Osteopathic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare, prioritizing the body's innate ability to heal itself. Doctors of Osteopathic (DOs) employ a blend of traditional medical treatments and osteopathic manipulative techniques to diagnose and treat various medical conditions, fostering overall health and wellness.
Despite the demanding nature of her journey to becoming a DO, Katlyn draws strength from the support of her loved ones.
"I'm just thankful to have my husband," Katlyn says, "I don't know how I'd be able to do all this without him.”
Katlyn and Zach Cummings, a high school math teacher, tied the knot in 2020. They have established their life in Montgomery, but the possibility of returning to her hometown remains on the horizon.
"There are days I definitely want to come back, and there are other times when I'm content with my life here," Katlyn says. "I do miss everyone. And I wouldn't be where I am without all my family, including my extended family. They've been with me every step of the way and are just as proud of me as they are their own kids.”
Katlyn has already achieved remarkable milestones, but her journey is far from complete. Thanks to her, the Sides family name will continue to be synonymous with success in Walker County. 78