About Me
Hi there! I'm so glad you're here :)
Welcome to the #colesetters (think goal setters) community! My name is Dr. Alyssa Cole (aka Dr. Cole). I'm a physician, content creator, lifestyle blogger, guest speaker, Forbes Health Advisory Board Member, and WHO Fides Ambassador with a passion for health, wellness, fashion, beauty, food, science, medicine, and career growth. From fitness and nutrition to travel and style as well as personal and professional development, I cover it all. You may know me from social media as @doctor.cole on Instagram and TikTok.
Originally from New England, I went to medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and have since made my way down south seeking warmer weather. I moved to Philadelphia, PA where I completed my residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation followed by my cancer rehabilitation fellowship, while also earning my MBA. I then continued on to the beautiful state of Virginia where I currently reside. I am now practicing full-time as a board-certified attending physician and assistant professor. I am also an associate program director in academic medicine, focusing on educational leadership.
With a B.A. in Classics and B.S. in Biology, I believe that the arts and sciences are interdisciplinary. I started this blog as a creative outlet, tapping into both my left brain (the logical side) and my right brain (the creative side) while sharing work-life balance along with evidence-based medicine, advocating for health literacy, and preventing the spread of medical misinformation. My mission is to highlight my experiences and provide valuable insights and resources that will inspire you to set and achieve your goals. Whether it's through healthy recipes, workout routines, tips for managing stress, or advice on how to succeed in your career, I want to empower you as my reader to live your best life. I'm excited to take you on this journey with me. Make sure to subscribe below and follow to officially join the #colesetters community for a happier and healthier life!
My Pageant Life
During medical school I competed in Miss America state and local pageants, earning scholarship money to help pay for my tuition. Little did I know at the time just how much the experience would shape me into who I am today. Pageants offer so many incredible opportunities for professional and personal development, including the chance to refine your public speaking, networking and interview skills, participate in community service and build your confidence. They empower you to use your voice for positive change and inspire others while advocating for causes you are passionate about.
Fast forward to 2024, when I decided to compete in Miss Virginia USA, while practicing full time as an attending physician. I championed my platform Healthy Habits: promoting health literacy, accuracy, and advocacy and won the Miss Virginia USA Social Media Advocacy Award. This was the first award I've ever received acknowledging all the work I put into content creation, which meant so much to me.
My First Children's Book
I published my first children’s book: An Apple A Day, Unraveling Online Myths For Kids to help children learn how to prevent the spread of misinformation, especially medical misinformation.
The Dogtor Is In
I'm also a proud dog mom of my tail-wagging feather-fearing Aussie mix rescue Westley (named after my favorite character from The Princess Bride). Originally from Louisiana, he's a southern gentleman with a northern attitude. He loves meeting new people, playing fetch, and eating lots of treats. You can follow him on IG @dogtor.westley for your own dose of puppy therapy.
