Dr. Matthew Cunningham, MDPhD

Terrible outcome from my spinal surgery performed by Dr Cunningham in March 2023, two years later still unable to walk without assistance even tho I walked into HSS before the surgery. Post follow up visits has been dissapointing with a response of "well we can try fusing here or we can try fusing there". The after care stay at HSS is another story one night the leg circulation pump on my legs stop working it took 3 rings for the nurse to figure out the pump was disconnected. Then they had me sitting on the bowl in a puddle of another patients urine, the nurse did remove my urine soaked socks and wiped my feet with a baby wipe. Needless to say I do NOT recommend HSS for Spinal Fusions

Dr Cunningham took his time to speak to my husband and I, regarding my past surgery. He explained my options, ways to reduce my back pain, and a plan for strengthening my back muscles. He was professional and kind. His knowledge and patient care skills were incredible. I would highly recommend Dr. Cunningham.

I am an adult patient with a 50 degree curve (thankfully minimal pain)- doctor smirked and made light of my curve- then told me to put off surgery as long as I could Bc there’s a good chance I won’t be able to “wipe my own a**” after a fusion. HE’S THE SPINAL SURGEON. And I will likely be a candidate in the next 10 yrs. Are you kidding me?! Maybe he’s a good surgeon but he’s rude and insensitive. Disgusted.

One surgeon who is straight forward and truly cares about the outcome of his patient. After performing a 11 hour surgery on me, Dr Cunningham took the time to sit down with my husband & explain every aspect of my surgery in layman’s terms; complete with hand-drawn illustrations. It was comforting that during my stay at HSS, Dr Cunningham was the first person I saw each morning as he checked in on me. It is rare to find a very bright, competent & caring surgeon who also has a great bedside manner. Initially, I found it difficult to get an appointment for consultation; but definitely worth the wait.

I went to see Dr Cunningham because I needed an opinion for my daughters scoliosis . I was very impressed , his staff was professional and very friendly and very informative . Dr Cunningham and his physicians assistant were wonderful . They took the time to explain in detail all the information I needed to hear . I went there very nervous thinking that he was gonna push surgery on my daughter. Because that’s what most surgeons would probably do . He was very honest and didn’t feel my daughter should go through this type of surgery unless it really was urgent ... He spent so much time with us . I was so impressed ... Great office great staff and wonderful Dr !

I had a similar experience as another reviewer below: Waited in the examine room for ~ 45 minutes until I was seen by the Physician’s Assistant. The PA told me she reviewed my MRI, The PA gave me what I thought was an excellent examination. The PA me my diagnosis, the PA gave me the treatment/surgery plan, the possible complications and recovery details of the surgery. I was told that Dr .Cunningham would be in shortly to see me. I waited an additional ~ 45 minutes more before Dr. Cunningham came into the examination room, BUT HE NEVER EXAMINED ME! He reiterated to me exactly what the PA said. BTW, the PA said she had two years’ experience working in orthopedics. Not exactly what I expected from a world class Hospital, with world class doctors that HSS touts itself to be.

My son had back surgery with dr Cunningham. I can’t thank him enough. He is walking and has no pain. I highly recommend this doctor. He is very compassionate and he truly cares about his patients. Thank you so much .

Comment My recent experience in Dr. Cunningham’s office and with HSS in particular, showed a complete lack of respect for me as a patient. Dr.. Cunningham never appeared for my scheduled appointment. I was kept waiting in a hospital gown, in a cold examining room for 3 and 1/2 hours. His PA said he was a little backed up, but would be in to see me. I waited but Dr. C. never came. I tried to find his PA, to no avail. After 4 hours I decided to leave. I finally encountered the PA on my way out. She was bewilded when I said the doctor never came. She didn’t know where he was. She mumbled, “he must have forgotten.” No apology or explanation was offered. I wrote to Mr. Shapiro, the CEO of HSS to express my concerns about my experience in Dr. Cunningham’s office. They never addressed the fact that the doctor failed to appear. What’s more, they chose to twist the facts and said I opted to leave because I got tired or waiting. That’s not what happened. It’s shameful that Dr. Cunningham… and HSS failed to take responsibility for their ineptitude. No apology or explanation was given.

I had spinal surgery and I'm so thankful I went to Dr. Cunningham and Hospital for Special Surgery. They took such good care of me and my back is great. I have no pain!

Dr. Cunningham is extremely impressive. He has a warm, open manner. He takes the needed time with a patient and answers questions thoroughly, thoughtfully, and clearly using lay terms and minimizing or explaining "medicalese." The office staff – Physician's Assistant, Office Manager, and Scheduler – are also extremely helpful and supportive. Dr. Cunningham takes a minimalist approach – do what is really needed yet not more. We quickly found that we trusted his judgment and insight. The surgery went very well and the after-care is top notch. He is supported by the Hospital for Special Surgery which along with Dr Cunningham focuses on patient-centric care. I recommend Dr. Cunningham with complete confidence.