Dr. Aleta Simmons was born and raised in the small town of Mayfield, KY. Upon graduation, she attended Alabama A&M University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and was welcomed into the illustrious sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She received a Master of Science in Organizational Communication from Murray State University. To prepare her for the demanding and competitive medical school journey, Dr. Simmons elected to attend the MEDPREP program at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. This program catapulted Dr. Simmons’ journey Into medicine by introducing her to Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine where she received her M.D. After completing medical school Dr. Simmons completed a preliminary year of internal medicine training at Loyola University Medical Center and dermatology residency training at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University.

Dr. Simmons is a board-certified dermatologist now residing in Nashville, TN. She serves as an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She also works as a Diversity Champion within the department. Dr. Simmons is committed to the needs of underserved and underrepresented communities. While in medical school, she was instrumental in building Loyola Stritch School of Medicine’s Center for Service and Global Health. She led the health disparities section and organized a bi-weekly series surrounding these issues in black and Hispanic communities. Dr. Simmons currently serves on the department of dermatology resident selection committee and devotes her time to mentoring and supporting underrepresented minorities in medicine. She was also a participant in the inaugural Diversity Champion Workshop through the American Academy of Dermatology. When not caring for her patients, she enjoys playing with her dog, Sebastian, exploring the Nashville food scene, listening to podcasts, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.