About Me
As a colorectal surgeon, I'm passionate about providing patient-centered care and educating the next generation of physicians. I'm an advocate for my patients, which means I take the time to really 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 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. Ohio State 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. I serve on the Endoscopy Enterprise Council to continuously look for ways to improve patient care.
At the Ohio State 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'm also very involved in surgery resident and colorectal surgery fellow education. I am passionate about teaching and am currently enrolled in the FAME Educator Development Program and will soon be starting a one-year Surgical Education Research Fellowship with the Association of Surgical Education while also maintaining my clinical duties.
When I'm not at work, I enjoy reading, crocheting, watching movies, gardening and hanging out with my two cats, Jackson and Grayson.
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Chilaiditi Syndrome
- Diverticulitis, Colonic
- Hirschsprung Disease
- Megacolon
- Hemorrhoids
- Rectal Fistula
- Rectocele
- Colitis
- Rectovaginal Fistula
- Diverticulitis
- Crohn Disease
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
- Colorectal Cancers
- Adenomatous Polyposis Coli
- Colitis, Ischemic
- Megacolon, Toxic
- Rectal Diseases
- Fecal Incontinence
- Colorectal Surgery
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
- Rectal Prolapse
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Colon Cancers
- Cecal Cancer
- Appendix Cancer
- Gardner Syndrome
- Rectal Cancers
- Sigmoid Cancer
- Anal Cancers
Locations Where I Practice
1800 Zollinger Road
Columbus, OH 43221
181 Taylor Avenue
Columbus, OH 43203
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location. Please call the “Schedule an appointment” number shown above for scheduling assistance.
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL
MD
5/1/2009 - 5/18/2013
Residency
Halifax Health System, ,
7/1/2013 - 6/30/2015
Residency
University of Florida Health Sciences Center, Jacksonville, FL
7/1/2015 - 6/30/2018
Fellowship
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
8/1/2018 - 7/31/2019
Board Certification
American Board of Surgery
11/13/2018
Academic Information
My Department
Surgery
My Division
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Reviews
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.
35 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
Consulting and Related Relationships
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 11/01/2020, Dr. Cunningham has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
My care provider was an EXPERT - the expert - that I've needed to see for months. She listened so well, knew exactly what I was experiencing, diagnosed it immediately (when previous physicians I have seen were not specialized enough to do so correctly), answered my questions clearly & comprehensively, engaged with me, put together a clear plan for treatment that finally left me feeling hopeful.
Dr Cunningham was very nice and helpful. I'm having more surgery with her later this year.
She was very personable, knowledgeable and REALLY listened to me. She allayed my fears of the exam procedures and made the exam very comfortable. Dr. Cunningham detailed everything I should do. I'm already doing very well and have complete confidence in Dr. Cunningham.
The doctor was punctual, kind and informative.
Very good.
She was one of the most incredible providers I have visited in the last 10 years. Her listening skills, understanding, compassion, and knowledge undoubtedly set her aside from so many others. I also don't know that I have ever felt so comfortable . I left that visit feeling both informed, assured, heard and in no way rushed.
She seemed to have empathy.
As always, she was pleasant, had my test results and X-rays, explained in detail and discussed the pros and cons of a surgery that I need to remedy my problems. She listened to and answered all of my questions and concerns.
Dr. Cunningham is a wonderful provider. She actually listens to the answers to the questions she asks. She is kind and thoughtful, and displays amazing expertise in her field.
She is outstanding in all ways. She is an excellent surgeon.