PROFESSOR DAVID COMAN
Professor David Coman (MBBS MPhil FRACP) is a Clinical Geneticist, Metabolic Physician and Consultant Paediatrician
Level 3 Watkins Medical Centre, 225 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000
ABOUT PROF. COMAN
David’s area of expertise is in the diagnosis and management of children with rare diseases. A rare disease is a clinically serious disorder affecting fewer than 1 in 2000 people, and approximately 6-8% of Australians are affected by a rare disease. 80% of rare diseases are genetic, with the majority affecting children. The diagnosis of a rare disease is often delayed because of their individual small numbers and complex nature. David is a passionate rare disease advocate and engages with multiple rare disease support groups.
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David is currently involved in multiple research projects aimed at novel disease discovery, improved diagnostic testing and treatments for children with inherited genetic disorders. He is director of a national clinic for Ataxia Telangiectasia brashat.org.au and has recently been awarded a $2.5 million NHMRC research grant for a phase 2/3 trial for treatment of this disorder. He is an active research member of the Australian Genomic Health Alliance www.australiangenomics.org.au.
David is actively involved in the teaching of medical students and paediatric trainees and currently holds academic appointments at The University of Queensland, Griffith University, Bond University, and Queensland University of Technology.
When not working, David enjoys spending time with his family and watching as much sport as possible. He a life-long supporter of the mighty Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
SERVICES
CLINICAL GENETICS
A Clinical Geneticist is a medical practitioner (either trained initially as a Paediatrician or as an Adult Physician) who cares for children and adults with genetic conditions.
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Common reasons why families may require the assistance of a Clinical Geneticist include:
birth defects and congenital malformations
antenatal abnormalities detected in the baby
chromosome abnormalities
developmental delay and intellectual impairment
syndrome diagnosis
deafness and visual impairments
reproductive genetics e.g. prenatal testing for genetic disease
family history of genetic diseases
familial cancer syndromes
Preconception screening for couples is a growing field of clinical genetics that maximises a couple’s reproductive choices. For more information visit:
https://www.virtusgenetics.com.au/patients/medical-genetic-advisory-services/
www.qfg.com.au/fertility-treatments/tests/preconception-screen/
www.australiangenomics.org.au/our-research/mackenzies-mission/
GENERAL PAEDIATRICS
General paediatrics provides a full range of care for children from birth until late teenage years. David is passionate about all aspects of paediatrics.
PLEASE NOTE: Dr Coman is not currently taking on new general paediatric patients.
METABOLIC MEDICINE
A Metabolic Physician cares for children and adults who have inherited metabolic (biochemical) diseases, for example the conditions detected on newborn screening.
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David cares for children in the Metabolic Medicine department at the Queensland Children's Hospital.
PLEASE NOTE: Adult metabolic patients should be referred to the Adult Metabolic Clinic at Mater Hospital.
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He recently identified a novel metabolic disorder, squalene synthase deficiency.
Information for patients
NEW PATIENTS
Dr Coman reviews and triages all referrals before booking any appointments. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the large number of referrals, we do not contact prospective patients: please call us to discuss an appointment once you have sent us a referral.
REFERRALS
Please ensure you have a current referral. GP referrals are valid for 12 months and specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.
We do our best to send reminders if your referral is expiring, but ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure your referral is still valid for any and all future/subsequent appointments to be eligible for any rebate from Medicare.
PRESCRIPTIONS
Dr Coman does not charge for prescriptions. However, he is often away from the clinic for many days at a time, and only does scripts in bulk during time set aside from consulting. Please give us sufficient notice of needing a new prescription (e.g. when filling the last repeat). If a script is needed prior to Dr Coman's set aside time, please consult your GP.
OFFICE HOURS
Our office hours are generally 9am-4pm Monday-Friday. Please note, due to other commitments including small children who routinely gift daycare germs, these times may vary. We will do our best to reply to emails and voicemails promptly.
CONTACT
Please note: for ALL appointment bookings, a GP or specialist referral is required for triage prior to booking.
L3 Watkins Medical Centre
225 Wickham Terrace
Spring Hill QLD 4000
Tel: 07 3832 9876 ~ Fax: 07 3319 6617
