About Trident Vein Center
Book an appointment with our top vein treatment doctor.
Meet Our Vein Experts
Thomas Cunningham, M.D.
Lead Practitioner
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Dr. Cunningham has performed thousands of minimally invasive, catheter-based, and ultrasound guided vascular procedures. Dr. Cunningham’s focus is on treating patients with varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, edema, venous stasis, and / or leg ulcers. Many of the patients that seek treatment at Trident Vein Center have suffered with leg pain for many years resulting in a very poor quality of life. Others have spent years improperly diagnosed or treated with now outdated methodologies, such as vein stripping.
Dr. Cunningham is motivated every day by improving the lives of patients with venous disease and training the next generation of venous disease specialists. Dr. Cunningham founded Trident Vein Center to ensure proper care for large numbers of people who suffer from venous disease.
Venous disease is often poorly understood by patients and clinicians as being a “cosmetic issue only.” Dr. Cunningham finds it extremely satisfying on a personal and professional level to be able to diagnose, treat, and monitor a patient’s progress and satisfaction as they go through treatment. Many of his patients do get an added cosmetic benefit from treatment which adds to their satisfaction.
Chip Bell, M.D.
Lead Practitioner
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Dr. Chip Bell, is a board-certified Interventional and Diagnostic Radiologist with a dedicated focus on vein care. He earned his medical degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, completed Diagnostic Radiology residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, and completed his Interventional Radiology fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Through this rigorous training, Dr. Bell honed his expertise in advanced minimally invasive vascular procedures.
Since 2018, he has performed numerous minimally invasive procedures, including vein disease treatments, serving patients in Rutherford County. Now transitioning to full-time practice at Trident Vein Center in Smyrna, Dr. Bell offers personalized, ultrasound-guided treatments—such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), Varithena, and sclerotherapy—performed in-office with local anesthesia and minimal downtime.
What Dr. Bell values most is building genuine relationships with his patients and helping them feel better so they can live life to the fullest without pain or limitation. His blend of technical expertise and compassionate care ensures every visit is comfortable and every outcome meaningful.
Liza Emch
Nurse Practitioner
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Liza is a Board Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She has a Bachelor’s in both Public Health and Nursing along with a Masters of Science in Nursing. With over a decade of experience in inpatient settings, Liza spent the early years of her career in Critical Care followed by General and Vascular Surgery where she provided inpatient management for a large volume, high-acuity surgical service.
In 2023, Liza transitioned to Trident Vein Center where she is performing Surface Vein Sclerotherapy, Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy, and Vein Gogh procedures. Liza enjoys developing relationships with her patients beginning in the consultation and spanning the treatment process.
When not in the clinic, Liza enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, the beach, traveling, befriending random dogs, and exploring the foodie scene in Nashville.
Erin Ross
Chief of Making It Happen
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There’s not quite a title that encompasses everything Erin does at Trident Vein Center. From greeting and scheduling patients, taking care of all your insurance needs, managing day to day operations, and ensuring every aspect of the clinic truly embodies Trident Vein Center core values. This is why Chief of Making it Happen is so fitting.
Erin brings more than 15 years of managerial and administrative experience to her role. She graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology, and a minor in Communications. In 2005, she began her career as an account manager for a marketing and graphic design company. She moved to Nashville and transitioned to healthcare in 2010, where she worked in the orthopedic department at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Erin has been working alongside Dr. Cunningham since 2012, managing and overseeing all aspects of office operations. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Nashville’s culinary scene. With a love for the outdoors, Erin has competed in several sprint triathlons, enjoys camping, and frequents the beautiful Radnor Lake trails with her family.
Kayla
Ultrasound Technologist, RVT
Lexis
Ultrasound Technologist, RVS
Meagan
Ultrasound Technologist, RVT
Ava-Ziva
Ultrasound Technologist, RVT
Molly
Ultrasound Technologist, RVT
Lani
Patient Experience Team
Marta
Patient Experience Team
Andrea
Patient Experience Team
Dawn
Patient Experience Team
Madian
Medical Assistant
Candyce
Medical Assistant
Oliva
Physician Liaison
Guided by data, compassion, and integrity
Our Values
Data Driven
We don’t make decisions based solely on emotions, feeling, or one particular instance.
WOW the Patient
We take patient care to an entirely new standard. We learn about our patients' lives beyond medical knowledge.
Family Feel
We make our co-workers, patients, and vendors feel part of a family.
Accountability
We take pride in owning our projects and over-delivering on our responsibilities before they are due.
Driven Teamwork
We work hard, hold each other accountable, and are driven to better our team. We rise together!
Transparent, Ethical Work
We never cut corners. We are transparent with the patient. We always do what is best for the patient. We only deliver high-quality work.
Our Mission
The mission of Trident Vein Center is to help people lead healthier and happier lives with better-feeling and better-looking legs. We serve our patients by continuing to provide the highest quality medical care available. We strive to improve lives in the Nashville area by providing state-of-the-art venous care in a compassionate and affordable manner.
Our Vision
To accomplish this mission, Trident Vein Center will provide comprehensive vascular services for our patients, utilizing leading-edge technology and techniques. Our clinical care staff will work together as a close-knit team and in turn, this collaborative culture will allow us to continually attract the highest quality clinicians and staff members.
The Nashville area is also a place we call home. Our patients are our friends, family and neighbors. Trident Vein Center will continue to work actively in support of this community through volunteer service and charitable giving.
Satisfaction is Our #1 Priority
Calm, serene and quiet are not always associated with medical offices, but that is how patients describe their visit to Trident Vein Center. When we designed our state-of-the-art vein center, patient comfort, privacy and safety was as important as the latest in technology and clinical treatments.
Our professional and comfortable office will help put you at ease with large treatment rooms, allowing a spouse or family member to stay with you during your treatment if it makes you feel more comfortable. Our appointments always run as scheduled – the staff is dedicated to being punctual and respectful of your time.
Contact our office at 615-455-3000 to begin your journey to healthier, pain free legs.
Should You Get a Second Opinion Regarding Treatment for Your Varicose Veins?
With treatments for varicose veins advancing every day, it’s important to seek a second opinion before you make a final decision. We’ll walk you through some of the reasons here.
Venous insufficiencies are some of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. However, because there are so many treatments available for vein-related issues, it’s important to seek a second opinion to ensure you are pursuing the best possible option for your unique circumstance. Here are some reasons why you should speak with Dr. Cunningham before treating your varicose veins.
- Confirming Your Diagnosis. As emerging technologies continue to mature, patients with a chronic venous insufficiency have more treatment options than ever. However, as with any disease or disorder, the appropriate course of treatment will depend on your unique circumstances and the severity of your condition. Since some conditions are more difficult to diagnose, and many doctors prefer specific treatments, it’s important to seek multiple opinions in order to make the best possible decision.
- Expanding Your Options. Many doctors still recommend outdated treatments such as invasive surgical procedures or vein stripping, which have long since been replaced with safer, minimally invasive alternatives.
- Finding the Right Doctor. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas Cunningham. Dr. Cunningham has 20+ years of experience as an Interventional Radiologist and is devoted to the complexities of venous disease. He is highly knowledgeable about the latest and most advanced non-invasive treatment options available for the effective treatment of vein disease.
- At Trident Vein Center, our experienced and dedicated team is well-versed in all of the latest vein therapies and procedures. We understand that patients with chronic venous insufficiencies have a wide assortment of treatments available. During your consultation, Dr. Cunningham will take the time to help you understand the underlying cause of your discomfort, explain your treatment options, and then guide you through every step of your procedure and recovery.
Contact our office at 615-455-3000 to begin your journey to healthier, pain free legs.
Why Trident Vein Center
- Dr. Thomas Cunningham is a highly qualified, well respected Vascular Interventional Radiologist in the Nashville area. With 20+ years of experience, he has made this profession and passion his life’s work.
- Dr. Cunningham receives referrals from other vein practices for second opinions and treatment of the most complex venous problems. These patients are referred to Dr. Cunningham due to his extensive knowledge and training focused on the circulatory system. The vascular system is one of the most complicated systems in the body.
- Because . . . All We Do is Treat Venous Disease! Appropriate treatment of these complex vascular conditions by an experienced Vascular Interventional Radiologist can vastly improve patient outcomes and prevent costly hospitalization and long term chronic wound care.
- We are thrilled that the medical community has conducted meaningful research that confirms what we know and tell our patients: chronic venous disease is a medical condition which can progress and cause painful complications such as leg ulcers and DVT … and the best way to get relief is through early diagnosis and treatment by a Vascular Interventional Radiologist. If a DVT is suspected, it’s best to be evaluated immediately. Early and accurate diagnosis can be a lifesaver…literally!
Contact our office at 615-455-3000 to begin your journey to healthier, pain free legs.
Three Vein Centers in Tennessee
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Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:30pm
* clinic hours may vary
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Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:30pm
* clinic hours may vary
Contact Info:
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Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:30pm
* clinic hours may vary


