LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2022) – Alexander Hernandez, MD, an internal medicine and pediatrics physician, has joined CHI Saint Joseph Health – Primary Care in Lexington, where he looks forward to treating both English- and Spanish-speaking patients. Dr. Hernandez joins CHI Saint Joseph Health after completing a residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Hernandez, who grew up in Florida, came to Kentucky after attending Loyola University Chicago – Stritch School of Medicine, where he also earned his Master of Science in medical physiology. His father is also a physician, and Dr. Hernandez credits him – along with his seventh-grade science teacher – for sparking an early interest in science and medicine.
“I was fascinated with how the human organs work in the body; the way the heart works, the way the gut works,” Dr. Hernandez said. “The more I studied, the more I realized that I’d be able to use that knowledge for good and help people. Now, it’s all about getting to know my patients on a level where I can build the type of relationship with them where they never feel as if they’re being ignored.”
Dr. Hernandez completed his undergraduate education at the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science in molecular and microbiology. After completing his residency program in Lexington at UK, Dr. Hernandez said he fell in love with the people of Kentucky, and the community holds a special place in his heart because it’s also where he met his wife, Alyson.
“My philosophy with my patients ties into my faith,” Dr. Hernandez said. “I want any patient that comes to me to understand that they are loved and cared for, and I’m always here for them. Sometimes the process of receiving treatment can feel like it’s taking a long time, but I hope to communicate with my patients in the best way I can to help them get through whatever it is they’re facing.”
As someone who has been a camp counselor and worked on mission trips, Dr. Hernandez said he knew he wanted to work with kids. But his focus on becoming a “med-ped” was to make sure that the relationship doesn’t end when children turn 18, and they can still turn to him as a primary care doctor. Because he speaks both Spanish and English, Dr. Hernandez said he hopes to connect with people who often face hurdles in obtaining health care.
In his free time, Dr. Hernandez enjoys reading scripture and attending church with his wife, who also plans to go into medicine. He also likes playing baseball and going to the movies with friends.
Dr. Hernandez is accepting new patients and is practicing at CHI Saint Joseph Health – Primary Care in Lexington, located at 211 Fountain Court, Suite 120. For more information or to make an appointment, patients can call 859.629.7245.
About CHI Saint Joseph Health
CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in CHI Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.
About the CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group
CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group is the employed provider network of CHI Saint Joseph Health with 88 locations in 17 communities throughout central and eastern Kentucky.
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