Dr. David Tom Cooke is a professor and founding chief of the Division of General Thoracic Surgery at UC Davis. He is also the Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Wellness, Director of the General Thoracic Surgery Robotics Program, Program Director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship, and Task-Force Chair of the Comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Program.

He specializes in complex general thoracic surgery, thoracic oncology with a special interest in Lung Cancer and Esophageal Cancer, minimally invasive thoracic surgery with special interest in Robotic Lung Surgery and Robotic Esophagectomy; interventional bronchoscopy, including EBUS and navigational bronchoscopy; esophageal stenting; tracheal and airway surgery, surgery for mesothelioma, surgical treatment of end-stage achalasia, hyperhidrosis surgery, diaphragm plication and diaphragm pacing, and complex esophageal reconstruction for discontinuity.

Dr. Cooke's philosophy of care is "Equality of Great Quality" and his theme song is "Land of Hope and Dreams" by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. He is dedicated to providing exceptional care through advanced techniques, patient-centered outcomes research, and a holistic approach.

Dr. Cooke has a passion for student mentoring and community engagement and leadership. He has authored over 100 scholarly products, including peer-reviewed manuscripts and text-book chapters. He has been honored with several awards such as the Diamond Doc Award - Patient Appreciation, Cancer Health Magazine; The Cancer Health 25: Black Lives Matter recognition, and UC Davis Medical Center Chief of Staff Award.