Dr David Coker

Dr David Coker attended The University of Sydney for his medical degree (MBBS); having previously completed a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) at The Australian National University in Canberra. He was an intern and resident medical officer at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and then completed a further two years as a senior resident medical officer in surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Dr Coker completed his registrar training in general surgery through Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, which included stints in Dubbo Base and Concord Hospitals. In January 2021, and was subsequently awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

Since receiving his Fellowship in 2021, Dr Coker has sought further training at world renowned centres in surgical oncology, with specific focus on melanoma, advanced skin malignancies, sarcoma and rare tumours. In 2021 following obtaining his fellowship, he undertook the Poche Fellowship in Surgical Oncology through Melanoma Institute Australia; and in 2022, he travelled to the United Kingdom and completed a further fellowship in Surgical Oncology, focusing on retroperitoneal, abdominal, pelvic and limb sarcoma at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London. The Royal Marsden Hospital is a world renowned sarcoma treatment centre, with one of the highest volumes of sarcoma in the world.

Dr Coker is passionate about teaching and education, and to further his capabilities and extend his skills he completed a Masters of Surgical Education through the University of Melbourne in 2021. Since 2021, he along with two colleagues have helped to coordinate a fellowship examination teaching program for General Surgeons Australia in New South Wales, as well as a mock viva fellowship exam preparation course for General Surgeons Australia on a national basis. Along with his teaching of surgical trainees, he has been involved in teaching medical students at The University of Sydney. In 2015, The University of Sydney awarded him the title of Clinical Lecturer in recognition of his involvement in teaching. In 2018, this academic title was elevated to that of Clinical Senior Lecturer at The University of Sydney.

Dr Coker has published widely in the field of surgical oncology, and is actively involved in multiple research projects, including international collaborations. Recently, he was the lead author on a set of guidelines dealing with the surgical management of retroperitoneal sarcoma through the Australian and New Zealand Sarcoma Association. In 2023 he has presented at national and international conferences in the field of sarcoma.

Dr Coker has returned to Sydney to take up Visiting Medical Officer (Consultant Surgeon) appointments, at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Northern Beaches Hospital. He is an active member of multiple MDTs, and was involved in establishing the pelvis, retroperitoneal and abdominal sarcoma MDT at RPA. He also has admitting rights at a number of private hospitals including the Mater Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital and Sydney Day Surgery. In addition to offering a comprehensive surgical oncology practice, Dr Coker also performs laparoscopic and open general surgical procedures including hernia and gallbladder surgery. Dr Coker currently consults at Camperdown, Wollstonecraft, and Northern Beaches.