About
John Cottingham, MD brings a distinctive background to family medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Houston, Clear Lake in 1984 before pursuing medicine. He completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2004. His internship and residency in Family Medicine both took place at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown, Texas, finishing in 2007.
Dr. Cottingham holds board certification with the American Board of Family Medicine. He serves as an Adjutant Professor at the University of Houston - Clear Lake, a role he has held since 2021. Earlier in his career, he served as Medical Director at the Christus St. John Concussion Center from 2010 to 2013. During medical school, he contributed to published research in burn medicine, antibacterial agents, and parenteral nutrition complications. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Texas Medical Association, and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. Outside the clinic, he competes as a sprinter in 60- and 100-meter events, plays guitar, and spends time with his wife of 38 years and their three children.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Houston, Clear Lake - Bachelor of Science, Finance (1984)
Medical School
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX - Doctorate of Medicine (2004)
Residency
San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, Baytown, TX - Family Medicine (2005-2007)
Additional Training
Internship: San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, Baytown, TX (2004-2005)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Cottingham right for?
Dr. Cottingham suits patients who want a physician invested in their long-term health goals. Adults managing chronic conditions benefit from his preventive and lifestyle-focused approach. He works well with patients who want to reduce reliance on prescription medications. Patients with personal fitness or nutrition goals, from completing a first marathon to overhauling their diet, find a committed partner in Dr. Cottingham.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Cottingham specializes in family medicine and preventive medicine. He places a strong emphasis on lifestyle medicine and works to address health concerns before they require aggressive intervention. His approach centers on building personalized plans tied to each patient's goals.
Yes, Dr. Cottingham holds board certification from the American Board of Family Medicine. He completed his residency training at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown, Texas, finishing in 2007.
Dr. Cottingham earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2004. He completed both his internship and family medicine residency at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown, Texas.
Dr. Cottingham treats a broad range of conditions within family and preventive medicine. He manages chronic diseases, supports patients with nutrition and fitness goals, and focuses on reducing medication dependence through lifestyle interventions.
Yes, Dr. Cottingham serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston, Clear Lake, a role he has held since 2021. He previously served as Medical Director at the Christus St. John Concussion Center from 2010 to 2013. During medical school, he also contributed to published research in burn medicine and related fields.
Yes, members can reach Dr. Cottingham by phone after hours and on weekends. This direct access is a core benefit of the MDVIP concierge model.
Dr. Cottingham works to reduce prescription medication use whenever possible. He focuses on lifestyle changes and personalized health planning as primary tools before turning to medication. His approach treats the person, not just the diagnosis.
Dr. Cottingham belongs to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Texas Medical Association, and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. These memberships reflect his ongoing engagement with the family medicine community.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026