8Nicholas Coatsworth (85-95)

Dr Nicholas Coatsworth attended Wesley College from 1985 to 1995. He was College Captain in his final year, an office that then-Headmaster Dr Roderic Kefford AM stated he had filled with great distinction. A diligent and talented student who excelled academically, Nick was awarded the Philip Goatcher Scholarship in Years 11 and 12.

Nick’s desire to serve the community was fostered at the College. Remembering community service visits to older West Australians, Nick reflected: “There’s something that Wesley embodies, or at least gives the opportunity for students to embody, and that is a real sense of service back to the community. It’s in your subconscious.”

Nick’s well-recognised communication skills were born during his years at Wesley. Having debated throughout secondary school he was selected in the Australian Schools Debating Team in 1995, continuing intervarsity debating during his university years. Nick studied medicine at The University of Western Australia, receiving a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) in 2001. He received a Master’s degree in International Public Health from The University of Sydney in 2006.

Whilst undertaking junior doctor training, Nick became a field doctor for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), serving in the Republic of Congo and the Darfur region of Sudan. He was later elected President of Médecins Sans Frontières for the Australian branch, serving on the board for two terms.

Nick led Australian government emergency medical teams to the Indo-Pacific following natural disasters and trained Australian field staff in Ebolavirus treatment during the 2014–2015 epidemic response.

An astute leader, Nick has held executive and leadership roles in the Australian health system, beginning as Executive Director of the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre in the Northern Territory and then Director of Infectious Diseases Medicine for Canberra Health Services. During the COVID-19 emergency, Nick was promoted to Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Australia and Senior Technical Adviser for the Australian Government Department of Health. He became a steadfast presence and trusted voice during the pandemic, spearheading the delivery of public health advice to keep Australians informed and safe during the crisis.

In 2023, Nick became the medical expert for the Nine Network. He is creator and co-host of the documentary Do You Want To Live Forever? promoting positive health messages through the exploration of human longevity.

Nick’s career has traversed nearly every aspect of the Australian health system and beyond. He now manages a career portfolio that enables him to maximise family time with his wife and their three children.