About
David F. Cunningham, MD brings more than four decades of internal medicine experience to his MDVIP-affiliated practice in Middletown, Rhode Island. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Providence College in 1983, graduating Summa Cum Laude and earning membership in the Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Medicine from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1987. He completed both his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at New England Medical Center in Boston, where he also earned the Louis Weinstein Excellence in Clinical Medical Award and membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.
Dr. Cunningham holds dual board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. That dual certification reflects a deep commitment to patients at every stage of life, including end-of-life care. He serves as Medical Director of Beacon Hospice, a role he has held since 2008, and holds membership in both the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care Physicians. He views medicine as a partnership, and he takes pride in coaching patients through health decisions so they fully understand their options. Patients throughout the Newport area have trusted him with their care for over forty years.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Providence College, Bachelor of Science in Biology, 1983, Summa Cum Laude
Medical School
Tufts University School of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine, 1987
Residency
New England Medical Center, Boston, MA, Internal Medicine, 1987-1990
Additional Training
Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society; Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society; Louis Weinstein Excellence in Clinical Medical Award
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Cunningham right for?
Dr. Cunningham is a strong fit for adults seeking a long-term relationship with a single, experienced physician. Patients managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol benefit from his coaching-oriented approach. He also serves patients and families navigating serious illness or end-of-life planning through his hospice and palliative medicine expertise. Anyone who values direct physician access, including after-hours phone availability, will find his practice well-suited to their needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Cunningham treats a broad range of internal medicine conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. He also specializes in chronic disease management and preventive medicine. His dual board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine means he supports patients and families through serious illness and end-of-life care as well.
Yes. Dr. Cunningham holds dual board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. This reflects his clinical expertise across both general internal medicine and end-of-life care.
Dr. Cunningham earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1987. He completed both his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at New England Medical Center in Boston, where he earned the Louis Weinstein Excellence in Clinical Medical Award.
Dr. Cunningham has practiced internal medicine for more than four decades. He has served patients throughout the Newport area during that time, building long-standing relationships with many of his patients.
No. Dr. Cunningham sees every patient himself. His practice does not involve nurse practitioners or physician assistants in patient care, so members always work directly with him.
Dr. Cunningham has served as Medical Director of Beacon Hospice since 2008. That role reflects his long-standing commitment to hospice and palliative medicine alongside his primary care practice.
Yes. Members reach Dr. Cunningham directly by phone after hours and on weekends. This direct access is one of the core features of his MDVIP-affiliated practice.
Dr. Cunningham views medicine as a partnership between physician and patient. He focuses on coaching patients through health decisions so they fully understand their options. His preventive focus means he works proactively with patients to manage risk and maintain long-term health.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026