Thomas Cunningham Applies Bellarmine’s EMBA to Drive Healthcare Innovation
Dr. Thomas Cunningham, MD, is no stranger to fast-paced decision-making and high-stakes care as a physician in Emergency Services at Norton Healthcare. But in addition to his vital work on the clinical frontlines, Dr. Cunningham is also investing in a different kind of leadership, one that takes place beyond the emergency room.
Currently an Executive MBA (EMBA) student at Bellarmine University, Dr. Cunningham is gaining a new perspective on healthcare by integrating business strategy, leadership, and innovation into his practice. His journey reflects how clinical professionals can bridge the gap between medicine and management to create lasting impact across healthcare systems.
“The teacher-student ratio is quite small and close-knit in our cohort,” Dr. Cunningham notes. “We learn from case studies, which is refreshing, and I’m learning a lot and bringing those ideas directly into my work at the hospital.”
The Bellarmine EXMBA program is designed with working professionals in mind, blending rigorous business fundamentals with practical application. For Dr. Cunningham, that means learning from real-world business challenges that directly translate to his day-to-day operations in emergency care.
“I highly recommend the EXMBA program at Bellarmine University for several reasons, the faculty’s dedication and availability, the real-life learning experiences, and how relevant it all is to my role in the hospital.”
Dr. Cunningham's story illustrates how Bellarmine’s EXMBA isn't just about earning a credential, it's about becoming a better leader, decision-maker, and change agent in your field. As healthcare continues to evolve, professionals like Dr. Cunningham are proof that the future of medicine will be led by those who understand both patient care and the business behind it.