Dr Nick Coatsworth
Physician, Health Policy Expert, and Medical Futurist and Expert
Dr. Nick Coatsworth is a highly regarded communicator and a beloved figure among Australians. He is a renowned expert in health policy, public administration, and practices as an infectious diseases physician.
Dr. Coatsworth played a pivotal national role in Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer. He emerged as one of the most recognizable medical spokespersons during this critical period and led the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign, engaging with the Australian community through various media platforms.
With a distinguished career in medicine, Dr. Coatsworth previously served as the Executive Director of the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre in Darwin. He also led the second Australian Medical Assistance Team's deployment to the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan and oversaw missions to Vanuatu and Fiji after Cyclones Pam and Winston. Additionally, he played a significant role in training Australian field staff for the Ebolavirus treatment during the 2014/15 epidemic response.
Early in his career, Dr. Coatsworth worked as a field doctor for Medecins Sans Frontieres in regions such as the Republic of Congo, Chad, and Darfur. He later served as the President of the Australian Section of MSF and contributed as a board member of Careflight Limited, a prominent aeromedical provider in Australia.
Currently, Dr. Coatsworth is pursuing a doctoral thesis at the Australian National University, exploring foreign policy decision-making in health. He holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor at the ANU Medical School, where he imparts knowledge to aspiring clinicians, from medical students to physician trainees.
Driven by a passion for clear communication, Dr. Coatsworth endeavors to simplify the complexities of the medical field into a language that empowers individuals to make informed choices. As a public speaker, he shares his experiences with various audiences, offering both entertainment and thought-provoking insights.