PEDIATRICIAN | COLLOM & CARNEY CLINIC

From an early age, Dr. Cindy Porter knew that she wanted to be a pediatrician. Whether taking care of children or volunteering in the community, Dr. Porter nourishes everyone she meets. Compassionate and caring, she is always giving back to others, and FSLM appreciates Dr. Porter for being a blessing to all who know her. for the past 25 years.

Why did you decide to become a pediatrician?

I decided to become a pediatrician when I was 4-5 years old. We used to get mail from St. Jude because my parents donated often. I told my grandmother that I was going to be a pediatrician and help kids with cancer at St. Jude. I never wavered. And, I did my residency in Memphis. One of our training hospitals is St. Jude.

Name one thing about your profession that people might not know.

One thing people may not know is the time requirement to become a medical doctor. First is the undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school and residency which can range from three to several years. Pediatrics is a three-year residency.

Who has helped you become the person you are today, and how did they inspire you?

The person I am today is a reflection of my family and my faith in God. My family, especially my maternal grandmother (Bigmama), and my parents, were my cheerleaders. You sacrifice a lot of yourself, mainly your personal life, to complete medical training. You need your support group. My Bigmama would mail me the sweetest cards with $10-$20 in them with the most amazing scriptures and words of encouragement to me. My parents would just pop in for a few days (although I was five hours away). In doing so, they showed me how to give and love without expecting anything in return, how to sacrifice that $10-20 on a fixed income, or make that long trip.

When I was doubtful, I would repeat Phil 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” My whole life has seemed to fall into place, and that has been the hand of God.

Tell us one thing you can’t do without on Thanksgiving Day and explain why.

I cannot do without my mother’s cornbread dressing on Thanksgiving. I have her recipe and make it every year. Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without it.

What do you love most about the Four States area?

I love the sense of community in the Four States area. People help people in need. There are so many good nonprofit organizations in this town that do so much good for this community. It’s really amazing.

What lessons have you learned from the pandemic?

When I had Covid and pneumonia, I learned that I don’t like 21 days of isolation. I think it bothered me as much as the pneumonia. I do not watch much television, so I found it hard occupying my time. I have learned people rely too much on social media. I have learned everyone has their own opinion, and that is great. It is what makes this a free country. I have seen the government attempt to control U.S. citizens through medicine.

How would you like for others to remember you?

I want to be remembered for being a giving, caring, truthful Christian and as someone who loved her neighbor.

Feature Stories

Dr. Cindy Porter | Caring for Children