Dr. Cooke is the interim physician-in-chief for the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he oversees cancer clinical operations, leads performance targets and metrics, sets care standards, improves clinical outcomes and disseminates best practices. He is also the founding chief of the general thoracic surgery division at UC Davis Health, where he has made strides in operational efficiency, ambulatory access and outpatient care metrics. His leadership has led to enhanced outcomes in lung cancer treatment, including superior early-stage treatment rates and survival outcomes compared to other American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer centers. Dr. Cooke also serves as the associate director of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center office of inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility. In this role, he directs efforts to diversify the cancer center staff, membership and leadership rosters, and provide equitable and accessible care to all communities. One of his most notable career achievements is the implementation of the Lung Cancer – Lung Nodule Early Detection Clinic, which has improved lung cancer screenings in the region. Dr. Cooke is also a mentor and published researcher.
