John’s Story in His Own Words

My name is John Cunningham, and I am a 55 year old Army combat veteran who recently underwent a total left hip replacement performed by Dr. Halawi. I am writing this message because I feel a deep need to express just how extraordinary my experience was, from beginning to end, and how profoundly it has changed my life.

I previously had my right hip replaced by a different provider in 2013, and to be completely honest, that experience was not a good one. I spent three days in the hospital and nearly five weeks unable to move without a walker or cane. The recovery was long, painful and discouraging. Because of that experience, I carried anxiety and hesitation for years. I lived in pain for four years, carefully searching for the right surgeon, someone who truly understood my past experience and could assure me that medicine, technology and technique had evolved.

When I met Dr. Halawi, I knew I had finally found that person.

From our first conversation, Dr. Halawi took the time to truly listen. He explained the current techniques and technology in a way that immediately eased my anxiety. He never dismissed what I went through in 2013; instead, he acknowledged it and reassured me that that experience was the past. His confidence, skill, and compassion made me feel safe and heard – something I had been missing for a very long time.

Once I met his surrounding team, that feeling only grew stronger. Every staff member I encountered demonstrated the same level of professionalism, kindness and genuine care. While I may not remember every name, I will never forget how they made me feel, especially the nurses, who were truly one of the best parts of my entire experience.

I need to pause and emphasize this: the nurses were exceptional. They genuinely cared for me, not just as a patient, but as a person. I am an Army combat veteran, and I live with mild PTSD. The nursing staff recognized my anxiety, respected it and treated me with incredible patience, compassion and dignity. Their care meant more to me than I can adequately express. Please know that I have an immense amount of gratitude and love for the nurses who took care of me throughout this process.

Another moment I will never forget happened the instant I arrived at the brand new Riverside Hospital in Smithfield, Virginia. My wife and I walked in early that morning, and the woman at the front desk greeted me with, “Hello, you must be Mr. Cunningham.” I was completely floored. That simple, personal greeting immediately put me at ease. She took wonderful care of us, personally guiding us to the elevator and on our way. From that moment forward, I felt something rare and powerful: I felt like I was the most important person in the entire hospital.

I left my house at 5:30 a.m. and was back home by 2:30 p.m. that same afternoon. I began walking that very day, as instructed by Dr. Halawi. I followed his guidance exactly: walk, and walk as much as I safely could. And I did.

Two weeks later, I walked into Riverside for my post op appointment. The nurses were genuinely surprised, and proud, of how quickly I had progressed. As an Army guy, I’ve always believed in trusting my medics. In this case, I trusted my surgeon completely, and it paid off.

Dr. Halawi understood my lifestyle. I am a very active person, coaching and umpiring at a high level, and his goal was not just to fix my hip but to return me safely and quickly to the life I love. He achieved that.

I was incredibly lucky that my wife and I found Dr. Halawi at the right time. I spent years resisting this surgery because of fear rooted in past experience. But when I finally reached the point where I knew it had to be done, just like my previous hip, I am beyond grateful that Dr. Halawi was the surgeon standing in front of me.

He didn’t just replace my hip. He changed my life.

To Dr. Halawi, the nursing staff, and everyone at Riverside Smithfield, thank you for your professionalism, compassion and exceptional care. You set the standard for what patient centered healthcare should be.