Dr. Cunningham is the chief of the Division of Craniofacial Medicine and professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He has been the medical director of Seattle Children's Craniofacial Center since 1998 and holds the Jean Renny Endowed Chair in Craniofacial Medicine. With over 50 team members representing 17 disciplines, the Craniofacial Center is the largest and most comprehensive such center in the country. He is an adjunct professor of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Oral Biology, and Pediatrics Dentistry at the University of Washington Schools of Medicine and Dentistry. Dr. Cunningham balances responsibilities between patient care, administration of the Craniofacial Center and research. He does bedside and didactic teaching of medical students, dental students, pediatric residents and fellows. His clinical interests focus on the diagnosis and long-term interdisciplinary care of children with craniofacial malformations with a particular interest in craniosynostosis.

"The care of a single patient during residency made me realize that I was drawn to helping families work through the difficult time after the birth of a child with complex cleft and craniofacial conditions. After residency, I was given the unique opportunity to train in the longitudinal care of these children and their families. Encouraged by my mentors, Drs. Ron Lemire and Sterling Clarren, I returned to graduate school to obtain a PhD in Anatomy and Embryology. Now, after this 34-year journey as a physician-scientist, I recognize that it is my patients, their families and my trainees who serve as my teachers. I am dedicated to the advancement of craniofacial research and our unique model of pediatric care for children born with these conditions."

Board Certification(s)

• Pediatrics

Education

• University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

Residency

• University of Washington College of Medicine and Seattle Children’s Hospital

Fellowship

• University of Washington College of Medicine and Seattle Children’s Hospital

Research Focus Area

• Craniosynostosis