Dr. Cooney performs all types of general plastic surgery but specializes in microvascular reconstruction (free flaps). He completed additional fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh to become an expert in microsurgical techniques for reconstructing the extremities, trunk, breast, and head and neck following traumatic and/or oncological defects. Dr. Cooney earned a PhD from Ohio State University Department of Molecular, Cellular and Development Biology. A particular focus of his clinical practice is improving the functional and aesthetic results of head and neck reconstruction.

His research centers on composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) both clinically and in the laboratory. He is a member of the CTA team at Johns Hopkins and helps conduct human hand and face transplantation trials. His laboratory work includes engineering human tissues for reconstructive purposes, nerve regeneration, microsurgical education, and inducing tolerance in order to reduce or eliminate the need for systemic immunosuppression in transplantation patients.

Dr. Cooney has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in addition to being a reviewer for plastic surgery journals.