Ward Dunnican Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I really loved dr dunnican he went above and beyond for his patients. He will be greatly missed. So now I am faced with seeing a different dr I am two years post op and have lost 190 lbs but still have a journey to get where I'd like to be. I deeply saddened by dr dunnicans death and I will miss him.

Liked him from the moment I met him. Personable and patient. Answered every question I had. Met with me for 1 1/2 hours and I actually changed my mind from the band to VSG. Met with him 2nd time and answered every question. I feel very confident in him.

Recently, I was denied vsg. I was totally devistated. It was 1 week before my surgery date and I had lost all hope. I had an appt. with Dr. Dunnican on Wed and he made 1 phone call. He discussed with BCBS that the procedure was not "investigational" and I got approved! I was sleeved this past Monday. I didn't even have to postpone my date. He's that good!

He was so personable and nice pre and post op. He came to visit everyday and makes you feel like the most important person to him. I couldn't give him a higher recommendation. He's totally awesome!

Update: I am devestated to say that Dr. Dunnican has died. He was an amazing Doctor as well as friend. He will be miss by so many but mostly by he's 3 beautiful daughters that he was so proud of. He spoke of them at every visit.

I was originally skeptical of Dr. Dunnigan as my surgeon. He had only performed 1 VSG at the time we scheduled my surgery. After getting to know him I knew I wouldn't have anyone else perform it. He was kind, gentle and funny. He totally went to bat for me, and most of all he believed in me.

As of today, 3 months since surgery, I am down 65 lbs and feel like a new person. I owe my new life to him. Everyday, I think of what he did for me and will forever be thankful.

Rest in peace Dr. Dunnican.

RIP Dr. Dunnican. I will be doing my happy dance at my two year appointment without you but you will certainly be there in my heart. Ward truly understood where we coming from and the struggles we had. A wonderful person and a brilliant surgeon. The WLS community has lost a bright star. He will be missed.

I am just devastated over the loss of Dr. Dunnican. He performed my lap-band surgery in June 2008. He was absolutely amazing! (and cute too). He cared for every one of his patients and always had that great smile. He was such a warm and caring person and I will truly miss him. I hope that those that have trained under him will be as compassionate as he was. RIP Dr. Dunnican.

Dr. Dunnican was the best surgeon and person anyone could have had the pleasure to meet. When I scheduled my surgery with him in April 2008 he let me know that he hadn't done very many WLS procedures. I couldn't find him on OH and had to add him to the list. His bedside manner and caring was the best I've ever had the pleasure to experience. I trusted him from the moment I met him. He never rushed me and took the time to answer every question either me or my husband had. He explained everything in detail. I just heard of his passing. He was killed in motorcycle accident a passion we both shared and discussed on several occasions. The world has lost a wonderful and talented man. RIP Dr. D

Dr. Dunnican was AMAZING. Besides being young and incredibly handsome (stared in a few fun dreams of mine... But I digress). He is extremely kind and thorough. My very first visit with him he answered every single one of my questions, plus more I didn't even know I had. By my 2nd and 3rd appointments I had every confidence that Dr. Dunnican would be an amazing surgeon, and had absolutely no doubts about him. He was alway apologetic if I had to wait long to see him, and was always very warm and sincere. My surgery went well. He said I had an initial leak that he fixed right up before closing me up, so I'm not worried at all. He came to my room to see me everyday with the exception of my discharge day ... But, he forewarned me that he wouldn't be around until later that day (if I was still in the hospital) so I wasn't concerned.
Dr. Dunnican was very gentle while checking my incisions post op. The EXACT opposite of one of the other Dr.s that came in and put an unnecessary and painful amount of pressure on one of my incision sites the day after surgery (uncool nameless Dr guy).
All in all, I am fully pleased with Dr. Dunnicans care and excellent work. I look forward to my post op appointments with him. And would recommend him to anyone in the Albany, NY area who is thinking about this surgery.

Edit - 9/08/10
Dr. Ward Dunnican was killed in a motorcycle accident last night. I am deeply saddened by this. He was a very skilled surgeon who was only 38 years old with a wife and 3 daughters.
I dedicate every dress size I go down to him.
Thank you Dr. Dunnican, for changing my life. RIP.

What a lovely, intelligent, caring human being--and a very fine surgeon. I cannot imagine having gone through this with anyone else.rnrnHe went out of his way to clear up a medical glitch that would have held up my surgery (contacted the other doctor, got clearance, and called me that evening in another state to tell me it was a go). rnrnHis staff was also helpful, caring, and quite knowledgeable. I was very impressed with the entire bariatric program at Albany Medical Center, and would advise anyone to go there. Aftercare is an important part of the program.rnrnMy experience was excellent.

LOVE HIM !!!! LOVE HIM !!! LOVE HIM !!!! Dr. Dunnican was great from day 1. Dr. Dunnican sat down with my husband and I at our first consult.. not knowing if we were going to go thru with surgery or not for 1 and a half hours to explain everything... and he was prepared to stay longer if we needed him to. I can't tell you how amazing it was to feel like EVERY question I had, good or bad, was answered prior to us making a decision about surgery. I even asked about mortality rate.. and Dr. D answered me seriously and didn't beat around the bush. it was great.. I know we felt more comfortable with going thru with the surgery.rnrnThen with bedside manner I couldn't have asked for better. Dr D and his team were there every morning to check on me and my progress. Even on Day 3 when I could have potentially gone home Dr. D and Marcel didn't feel comfortable with letting me go due to some intestinal issues, and had me stay an extra day. I didn't feel rushed at all.rnrnPost Op has been good also.. he always feels I'm doing good even when I am beating myself up for not reaching personal goals. I would highly recommend Dr. D and the Albany Medical team for any gastric bypass surgery.

First impression was he was calm, collected and very informativernrnMy view did not waver one bit thru post oprnrnThe Office staff at Albany Med Bariatric are mostly nice. Check in can be a pain.rnrnHe definitely goes over risks/ rewardsrnrnI would rate him a solid 9.5rnrn.5 deduction not really his doing but Alb. Med is a teaching hospital and alot of graduate students running around hospital.

Dr Dunnican is a warm gentle surgeon. It is apparent from your first meeting that he would be the best choice. His staff models his behavior. Everyone is helpful and resourceful. Dr. Dunnican made sure to visit me everyday regardless of the time of day. I saw his resident everyday as well sometimes twice a day. Everyone was supportive and encouraging. Dr. Dunnican is dedicated to his craft and patients. He was informative in all areas, risks, aftercare etc. I highly recommend him to anyone.