Patrick Cunningham, MD, is a nephrologist specializing in the treatment of glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome. These diseases usually involve loss of protein or blood in the urine and are often caused by autoimmune diseases such as lupus, or genetic disorders such as APOL1-associated kidney diseases. In caring for patients with these problems, he performs ultrasound-guided kidney biopsies and manages immunosuppressive medications. His other clinical activities include the care of patients with kidney transplants and use of bedside renal ultrasound to aid diagnosis of kidney diseases.

Dr. Cunningham is also part of a team devoted to treating patients with glomerular disease with a monthly satellite clinic at the UChicago Medicine River East location. This multidisciplinary clinic offers patients access to tailored assessments, evidence-based treatments and innovative research support for an advanced understanding of glomerular disease.

Dr. Cunningham’s research includes looking at the basic mechanisms of complement regulation in glomerular disease, the role of the immune system in acute kidney injury, and most recently how mutations in the APOL1 gene influence high blood pressure and its treatment.