Dr Nick Coatsworth is a leader in health policy, public administration, and infectious disease medicine. Nick held a national role in the response to COVID-19 as Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Australia. As one of the most recognised medical spokespeople during the pandemic, Nick was the spearhead of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign. After his federal role, Nick returned to Canberra Hospital as a senior executive, completing major reforms to medical staff culture and industrial relations.
As a clinician Nick has practised across four jurisdictions and internationally, from the outback to major hospitals and most places in between. He led the second Australian Medical Assistance Team (AusMAT) to the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan. He oversaw AusMAT deployments to Vanuatu and Fiji after Cyclone Pam and Winston.
During his early career Nick was a field doctor for Medecins Sans Frontieres and practised in the Republic of Congo, Chad and Darfur. Later, he became President of the Australian Section of MSF. He has also served on the board of Careflight Limited, one of Australia’s leading aeromedical providers.
Nick is now undertaking a Doctorate of Philosophy at the Australian National University examining the international border closure decision during COVID-19. He provides high-level advice in health systems and administration to the private and public sector.