Dr. Robert Cunningham joins Methodist surgery team

Robert Cunningham, MD, an Irishman who came to the Midwest – and grew to love it – during his general surgery residency, initially thought he might become a plastic surgeon. But it was residency that introduced him to unique patient population and unveiled his true passion.

“I saw the incredible, life-changing benefits that weight loss surgery can provide patients suffering with obesity,” said Dr. Cunningham, a bariatric surgeon who has joined the Methodist Physicians Clinic staff. “And just watching how much more radiant they are after a major surgery that they’ve put a lot of effort and work into upfront, seeing them reap the rewards on the downstream of that and sharing in that success with them is what gives me the warm and fuzzies on the inside.”

His clinical interests include primary and revisional weight loss surgery, foregut procedures and abdominal hernia repair. To each patient, he vows to bring his “A game” to the clinic and operating room daily. He’s committed to being their trusted partner through every step of their health journey while working relentlessly to challenge the societal stigma that still revolves around bariatric surgery.

“I think that misconception of, ‘Oh, it’s the cheating way out – they just can’t be bothered to diet and exercise,’ that’s just simply not true. They’ve tried and failed at everything else. They need help and pretty aggressive intervention. And it takes courage to say, ‘I acknowledge all these things, and I’m now taking real positive steps to deal with this issue and get back at a healthier trajectory.’ I think that’s a really courageous and honorable thing to do,” he said.

Dr. Cunningham is a self-proclaimed dog lover – he has two. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and watching rugby.