Physician, Assistant Professor
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Department: Surgery
As a colorectal surgeon, I'm passionate about providing patient-centered care and also about educating the next generation of physicians. I'm an advocate for my patients, which means I take the time to listen to their needs and see the best ways to help each patient. I love providing specialty colorectal surgical care at Ohio State's East Hospital because many of our patients come from underserved communities. I operate at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center East Hospital, at University Hospital and at the OSUCCC – James.
I chose to stay in academic medicine because I enjoy teaching and the environment of inquiry and collegiality that is present when it comes to specialized care. The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is the best place to receive treatment, because there are so many excellent physicians here who provide comprehensive, quality care to treat the whole patient, not just the disease. We are on the front lines of research and education, keeping up-to-date with current therapies.
When I'm not at work, I enjoy reading, crocheting, watching movies, gardening, and hanging out with my partner and three cats, Jackson, Grayson and Tyson.
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
In the Ohio State University College of Medicine, I'm an instructor for the Longitudinal Learning Program for first-year medical students, as well as an instructor for third- and fourth-year medical students during surgical rotations. I oversee the combined surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and anesthesia rotation for the third-year medical students in my role as the director of Integration for the Understanding Patient with Reproductive and Surgical Needs (UPRSN) ring. I'm also involved in surgery residents’ and colorectal surgery fellows’ education. I am an associate program director for the General Surgery Residency.
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Lisa Cunningham has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
She was great. Would definitely see again if I needed to.
Great
My provider is amazing!! She is very thorough with addressing my issues and concerns and gives me advice on how to proceed with treatment. She is very knowledgeable about me and my health issues and she's always compassionate and supportive of what I'm currently experiencing and empathetic to the emotions that go with my extended health issues.
My doctor was excellent and very polite
Always concerned, informative and caring.
Excellent and professional and caring
Best provider that I have had with my condition
Very kind. Understands my concerns
This was my first time seeing the doctor And it's to see if I could have my colon reattached . She was phenomenal. She went through everything. She examined me and went through what the procedure and what she thought about the timeframe she was great.
Lisa cunningham is a excellent doctor
Very good
Very informative and made things easy for me to understand. Best interaction as a patient at any facility I have ever visited.
Best care I've ever received
Love the level of "caring" attention given to me during my visit.
Very attentive
Dr. Cunningham made me feel very comfortable and took time with me. We discussed surgery and I have since scheduled for that surgery. I feel very confident about her as my surgeon even though we just met.
The doctor was great, listened and explained everything clearly. She made me feel comfortable.
My provider is a very caring doctor. She listen to what I say. She always explain everything to me where I understand. My doctor goes above and beyond taken care of me. I would recommend her to everyone who has gastro problems. You can't find a more caring doctor than her.
Very caring. Listened intently
Knowledgeable
Dr. Cunningham is the best doctor that I have at OSU. By "best", I mean that she's organized, prompt, hard working, highly knowledgeable and thoughtful instead of just repeating info and she sees her patients instead of staring at a screen for the duration of the appointment. She's a keeper.
The doctor took the time necessary to answer all my questions and identified issues that I was not aware of. I feel like I can make a more informed decision following the visit
Excellent
Excellent, professional and caring
Awesome person. Friendly, speaks in layman's term so I understand everything, explains everything so I understand it all.
Very attentive, answered questions, worked well not having all the information from previous Doctors
She is great, very personable and knowledgeable regarding my condition and treatment!
Excellent
Dr. Cunningham and the whole care team were considerate, professional, friendly, and inspired confidence in my care.
Great care provider
The only problem was that it took awhile before she was available to see me, a common problem with providers. I don't know why but it happened.
Lisa is incredible. Organized with highly detailed information. She encourages questions and dialogue unlike some doctors I've been to. No ego issues! Often answers MyChart questions before I've even woke up in the morning. Has operated on me twice and I trust her wholeheartedly.
Gave me answers other providers couldn't great expirience
Very knowledgeable, professional, but shows compassion
Very open and healpful
I like my Doctor very much
I feel like she was concerned about me
Nothing bad ,all good.
Everything was perfect
The Dr Lisa Cunningham is a very excellent doctor
Dr. Cunningham, in my opinion, is a highly qualified, top surgeon. I had a very complicated surgery two years ago of which through my sugeon's constant care in the hospital, rehab and home health care I am now able to have a quality life. I am so thankful for her quality of care, her expertise and her caring manner.
Good care
Dr. Lisa Cunningham is the best doctor/surgeon I've ever had. She's thorough and committed to her work. She also answers questions the same day.
Everything was good The experience was great
My Care provider answered all of my questions and concerns in a respectful manner. She madegood suggestions and explained everything in such a manner that was easy to comprehend.
Excellent care