Dr. Alex Ford’s passion for medicine and nutrition lay not just in the walls of a clinic, but also on the boxing ringside. A family medicine physician and registered dietitian nutritionist at Community Care Physicians and ringside physician with USA Boxing, Dr. Ford discusses his practice expansion, connection to boxing, and passion for medicine and nutrition.
Dr. Ford’s interest in combining medicine and nutrition began during his dietetics training, where he worked alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals. “As I gained medical knowledge throughout my dietetics training, my interest in learning more grew,” he says. “I sought out mentorship opportunities from attending physicians, which strengthened my desire to combine my medical and nutritional expertise to enhance the health of others.”
His medical degree has taken him in many adventurous directions, including youth-focused initiatives. “In college, I volunteered with 4th Family Inc., which had a STEM program that I became heavily involved in,” he shares. “I saw an opportunity to expand this program, so I worked with the co-founder – a personal friend of mine – and established STEM+M (i.e. medicine), which directly funnels youths into healthcare sectors for mentorship.” Now, he leads the program as the director of medical education and continues to foster opportunities for local youth to get acquainted with the medical field.
Mentorship has been a guiding principle throughout Dr. Ford’s career, and it eventually led him to USA Boxing. “I’ve always loved contact sports,” he explains. “My cousin, the boxing director for the City of Albany’s Department of Recreation, ran a gym where I trained many summers before and during medical school. He introduced me to a USA Boxing ringside physician he had mentored, and I jumped at the chance to learn.” Now, Dr. Ford spends time ringside at junior boxing matches, treating and caring for local Albany youth who step into the ring.
Becoming a ringside physician requires multiple steps, including registering with USA Boxing, completing a background check, and undergoing specialized training in athlete safety. “It’s a high-stress, fast-paced role,” Dr. Ford says. “I must quickly treat, evaluate, and determine whether a boxer can continue fighting. If they can’t protect themselves or their injuries are too severe to treat ringside, I have to stop the match.” Outside of the ring, he also serves as part of a multidisciplinary team of officials, emergency response teams, and coaches.
Before each match, Dr. Ford conducts pre-fight evaluations, starting with a neurological exam. During the bout, he assesses any injuries sustained and determines whether the boxer is fit to continue. “Safety is the top priority,” he emphasizes.
Nutrition also plays a vital role in his work with combat sport athletes. “Being both a physician and a dietitian allows me to seamlessly integrate conversations about health, nutrition, and lifestyle,” Dr. Ford explains. “Even basic nutrition literacy—like understanding food labels—can empower athletes to take control of their health.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Ford remains committed to blending his osteopathic principles with his dietetics background to help patients achieve renewed health and wellness. “I have my practice, my volunteer work, and my goals that push me toward new opportunities to learn, grow, and expand,” he says. “Never forget what drew you to medicine. Whatever it was, keep nurturing it and look for ways to build on it.”
