Richard E. Cummings M.D. is a graduate of Brooklyn Preparatory School in Brooklyn, New York. During that time he was a member of the National Honor Society while participating on the football, basketball, baseball, and track teams. He attended Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York where he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Dr. Cummings then attended the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida where he received his M.D. Degree. His internship and General Surgery residency were performed at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, as well as the Miami V.A. Hospital, and the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida. His residency in Plastic Surgery was done at Loyola University Medical Center and Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Cummings is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery - the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify plastic surgeons.

Dr. Cummings has been specializing in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Kinston since 1984, and he has been the Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at Lenoir Memorial Hospital ever since that time. He has competed in triathlons around the country, and also enjoys skiing and playing tennis and golf. He resides in Kinston and Wilmington. Dr. Cummings has two sons, Patrick and Alexander.