Melissa Cunha

Ms Melissa Oliveira Cunha is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon with extensive experience in both general and colorectal surgery. She graduated from the University of São Paulo (UNESP), Brazil, in 2000 and completed her early surgical training in the North West of England.

Alongside her clinical training, Melissa developed a strong interest in cancer research and was awarded a PhD in molecular cancer biology from the University of Manchester. She later completed her higher surgical training in the East Midlands, gaining specialist expertise in keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, particularly for bowel conditions.

In 2017, Melissa was awarded a prestigious Dukes national travelling fellowship, which allowed her to train at the internationally renowned Habr‑Gama Institute in Brazil. There, she studied advanced approaches to treating rectal cancer, including non‑operative management where surgery may be safely avoided.

After completing her surgical training in 2018, Melissa joined the colorectal surgery team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. She has a particular interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is currently the Lead IBD Surgeon, working closely with gastroenterology colleagues. She provides minimally invasive surgical treatments for conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, aiming to support faster recovery and improved quality of life.

Melissa is deeply committed to education and training. She holds a Master’s degree in Medical Education and is the Training Programme Director for Higher Surgical Training in the West Midlands. She has also developed and led multiple courses to help train surgeons in laparoscopic and IBD surgery.

Beyond her hospital role, Melissa is the President of the Birmingham Ileostomy Association, where she supports people living with an ileostomy or internal pouch. She is actively involved in patient education, support meetings, and community learning events, helping patients feel informed, confident, and supported throughout their journey.