A Legacy of Healing: James Cunningham Retires from Cook Children’s

James “Jim” Cunningham, M.D. a beloved figure at Cook Children’s, is retiring after a distinguished career dedicated to the health and well-being of countless children.

Dr. Cunningham’s journey at Cook Children’s took him from Medical Director of Pulmonology to Chief Medical Officer to Executive Vice President/CMO. All along the way, his path has been marked by compassion, innovation and a steadfast commitment to excellence. He has left an enduring impact on the institution and the community it serves.

Born and raised in Texas, Dr. Cunningham’s roots run deep in the Lone Star State. His early years sparked a curiosity about the scientific world, leading him to pursue a degree in Zoology at Texas A&M University. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future in medicine.

Photo courtesy of Chook Children’s

A Passion for Pediatrics

After completing his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and his residency at the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Cunningham specialized in pediatric pulmonology at the University of Arizona. His passion for caring for young patients, particularly those with complex respiratory conditions, ignited a desire to make a difference in their lives.

“I was drawn to pulmonary medicine because it offered a unique blend of acute and chronic care. It’s incredibly rewarding to treat children with acute conditions like pneumonia, watching them recover and go home,” Dr. Cunningham said. “At the same time, managing chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma allows you to build strong bonds with patients and their families. It’s deeply meaningful to participate in their lives, watch them grow, and help them navigate their health care challenges. The combination of acute care and long-term relationships with patients and families was what ultimately attracted me to pulmonary medicine.”

Photo courtesy of Chook Children’s

Decades of Dedication to Cook Children’s

Dr. Cunningham joined Cook Children’s in 1987, drawn to the organization’s commitment to providing exceptional care to children. Over the past three decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution into a world-class pediatric health care provider.

As a physician and administrator, Dr. Cunningham has made significant contributions to the field of pediatric pulmonology. His expertise in managing complex respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, has improved the lives of countless children. His dedication to advancing medical knowledge through research has led to groundbreaking discoveries and innovative treatments.

Beyond his clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Cunningham has been a visionary leader, guiding Cook Children’s through period of substantial expansion and modernization. His strategic insights and unwavering commitment to quality have helped position Cook Children’s as a leader in pediatric health care.

“This place has been a significant part of my life for a long time. Many of my adult friendships are centered around it, and it’s been rewarding to watch its growth. However, I’m confident that the pulmonary program is in excellent hands with (Karen Schultz, M.D.), (Sami Hadeed, M.D.), (John Pfaff, M.D.), and the other talented pulmonologists. I believe the program will continue to thrive and achieve great things.”

A Well-Deserved Retirement

As Dr. Cunningham embarks on his retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion, innovation and leadership. His departure marks the end of an era, but his impact on Cook Children’s and the children it serves will continue to be felt for generations to come.

“Over 17 years ago, one of my first decisions as President and CEO of Cook Children’s was to hire Dr. Jim Cunningham as Chief Medical Officer. I had met Jim during my interview process and was immediately impressed by his kind and compassionate nature. His servant’s heart was evident, making him the ideal choice to lead our organization into the future,” said Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO of Cook Children’s Health Care System.

Looking ahead, Jonathan Nedrelow, M.D., will assume the role of Chief Medical Officer at Cook Children’s. Most recently, Dr. Nedrelow served as Senior Vice President and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Cook Children’s. A renowned expert in neonatal-perinatal medicine, Dr. Nedrelow bring a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to pediatric health care to this pivotal role.

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to start succession planning early on,” Dr. Cunningham said. “This led me to think about the future of the program and how to ensure a smooth transition. I immediately thought of Dr. Nedrelow, and we had several conversations about the process. He’s been leading the program for about a year and a half now, and he’s exceptionally qualified. He’s highly intelligent, well-respected, and I’m confident that the program is in great hands with him.”

Dr. Cunningham’s colleagues and friends at Cook Children’s extend their heartfelt gratitude for his many years of dedicated service.

Photo courtesy of Chook Children’s

Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO of Cook Children’s Health Care System

“For nearly four decades, Dr. Cunningham has been an invaluable asset to Cook Children’s. As our Chief Medical Officer for the past 17 years, he has steadfastly upheld our Promise to our patients, families, physicians, and staff. As he embarks on a well-deserved retirement, he will be deeply missed. We are grateful for his invaluable contributions and look forward to the leadership of Dr. Jonathan Nedrelow. However, Dr. Cunningham’s enduring impact on Cook Children’s will forever be remembered.”

Jonathan Nedrelow, M.D. current Chief Medical Officer

“Dr. Cunningham’s patients had the rare privilege of being taken care of by one of the most kind, thoughtful, unassuming, and intelligent doctors I have ever known. His legacy can be found in all the children that had a chance to grow up healthier because of him. Personally, words cannot describe the gratitude I have for the mentorship and friendship he extended to me. I wish him all the best enjoying his family and friends in retirement.”

Bobby Feather, Senior Vice President, Public Policy

“Over the last 30 years, it has been my privilege to labor beside a number of extraordinary people in the Cook Children’s administration.  Jim Cunningham is an incredible individual.  I have known him to be a highly dedicated leader and principled professional colleague.  When it comes to integrity, compassion, loyalty, flexibility and wisdom, Dr. Cunningham is fourteen carat.  As a friend, he is a rare find.”

Karen Schultz, M.D., Medical Director, Pulmonary Services

“There is no way to state how much Dr. Cunningham has meant to Cook Children’s or to me personally. He has been a rock from the day that I started fresh out of fellowship—initially with clinical questions but morphing into advice on how to lead the pulmonary department (and who to ask when I need something). His compassionate care for patients is an example for all physicians to emulate. I can only hope to have a fraction of the impact that he has had caring for pulmonary and all patients and families and Cook Children’s.”

Nancy Dambro, M.D., retired, former Medical Director of Pulmonology and President of the Medical Staff

Jim Cunningham and I did our fellowships together at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Subsequently, we and our families moved to Fort Worth and Cook Children’s Medical Center together in 1987. Until I retired in 2020, Jim and I worked together for a total of 36 years! A long time for two physicians.

Through those years, I have seen Jim as one of the most insightful, thorough, and hard-working physicians I have ever worked with. He led the building of a very well-thought-of Pulmonary Department from the ground up, including a nationally recognized Cystic Fibrosis Center. In doing so, he built a cohesive clinical team that continues to be strong.

Later, he became the CMO of Cook Children’s Healthcare System, and lent his collegial leadership style to the entire organization. Jim‘s impact on the growth of Cook Children’s is probably unequaled.

Through this pretty challenging career, I never saw Jim lose sight of the importance of his own family; he is a great husband and father.

And he is a good friend.

Photo courtesy of Chook Children’s

Britt Nelson, M.D., retired, CCPN’s president from 2009 to 2021, long-time friend of Dr. Cunningham

“Jim Cunningham always brings understanding into a room. He can communicate across many levels of listeners complex concepts in whatever language is needed. He is a honyawker to honyawkers, a kid to kids, an executive to executives and a leader to leaders. He is the brightest guy in the room – always.

His fingerprints are all over Cook Children’s and the success it has enjoyed. Best? He loves children and served them with his every word and action.”

Follow up to Dr. Nelson: What is a honyawker?

“I don’t really know, nor do I know how to spell it. Dr. Cunningham uses that word frequently to describe ‘a good ole boy’ with a slightly goofy slant. He’s used it in the highest level of our organization, and it elicits smiles as he describes folks (usually males) who are freewheeling and a bit (off-the-wall). It’s a term of endearment … sort of. He’ll smile when he sees this and correct me! What I could never discern was whether I wanted to be considered a honyawker. Pronounced –ho’n-yaw-ker.”