Best Knee, Shoulder & Orthopedic Surgeon in Vail, CO
For over a decade, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Cunningham has cared for patients in the Vail Valley and in Summit County Colorado. In addition, he has patients from across the country and world that travel to seek his care. With a reputation for providing compassionate care and great surgical outcomes, Dr. Cunningham values the collaboration and relationship he has with his many patients.
Dr. Cunningham was trained at the prestigious Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh – regarded by orthopedists as one of the best knee and shoulder fellowship programs. During his time there, he was an associate physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins. Following his fellowship, he joined Vail Summit Orthopedics, where he treats athletes of all levels. Dr. Cunningham is a team physician for the U.S. Ski Team, Freedom FC Soccer Club, and to area high schools.
Orthopedics in the Local Community
An active and passionate member of the mountain community, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Cunningham provides free sports medicine physicals to high school athletes every year. He also lends his expertise through offering knee stability checks for skiers at the start of the Vail ski season.
An educator at heart, Dr. Cunningham offers regular community lectures on knee and shoulder injuries as well as educational seminars to primary care and emergency room physicians and ski patrollers at Vail-area ski resorts. He regularly contributes sports medicine articles to local publications, including the Vail Daily.
Orthopedic Awards for Excellence
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Cunningham served as Chief of Surgery at Vail Valley Medical Center from 2008 to 2015. In 2010, he received the Clinical Excellence Award from his physician colleagues at the Center. He is also a member of professional orthopedic organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America and American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Education & Training
Hospital Affiliations
Richard Cunningham, MD Reviews
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I have had two surgeries with Dr. Cunningham and both went very well allowing the healing process to begin rapidly. The doctors back home who treated for follow up care we’re amazed with Dr. Cunningham’s techniques and results after a very complicated knee surgery. I would strongly recommend Dr. Cunningham for any orthopedic surgeries.
I am not a fan of getting sliced and diced BUT I have to say the results have been phenomenal from Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Braxton and Dr. Elton. The care I have received here from the Vail Summit Group has been the best I have ever observed and I have seen a lot over the years in my professional capacities. Also, the Vail Surgical Center and the Anesthesiologists have been outstanding. I can't believe I have had these 3 major surgeries and experienced minimal to no post op pain. It's truly amazing what you are doing here. Thanks for all your concern for my welfare.
Overall, this was a very positive experience. Dr. Cunningham and his staff did a great job. My surgery and recovery went very well. I was kept informed at every step of the process, including pre-surgery, day of surgery and post-surgery. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, as well as professional and knowledgeable.
Dr. Cunningham and his team are quick, knowledgeable, polite and caring. I felt like I was in great hands after visiting for an x-ray and finding out I broke my humerus in a ski accident. He prescribed physical therapy, followed up with an additional x-ray and was patient listening to my many questions. I will definitely visit Dr. Cunningham with any future issues!
All the staff up to Dr Cunningham were very friendly, helpful, careful about exactly what medical procedure was to be done, and supportive from the first phone call to the post follow up visits to ensure I was on track for my range of mobility and strength. I highly recommend Vail-Summit Orthopaedics for shoulder injuries!
Professional service with fantastic results. I would recommend Dr. Cunningham to any one as his approach was well thought out and all the possible options were presented. Together we selected the best course of action that best fit my circumstances and the results have been amazing.
My wife trusts Dr. Cunningham so much, she sent me and my knee. You get more than Richard, you get his incredible team too. I was thoroughly impressed from first visit to final release. Thanks everyone.
I really felt like Dr. Cunningham cared about me and the outcome of my surgery. He wanted to know about the activities I was looking forward to getting back to doing. His staff were all knowledgeable and friendly as well as available to answer any questions I had when I called.