Dr David Shepherd is Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon who works at the Cairns Private Hospital with consulting rooms at Flecker House. Dr Shepherd provides a general orthopaedic consultancy with a focus on large joints, arthroscopy of the knee and shoulder as well as hip, knee and shoulder joint replacement surgery. With over 29 years of experience Dr Shepherd seeks to provide quality, long-term relationships with his patients. He consults from both his rooms on ground floor at Flecker House (conveniently located to both the Private Hospital and imaging services with ample off street parking) and also at the Atherton Health Hub (25 Louise St, Atherton).

Dr Shepherd’s practice provides comprehensive orthopaedic advice which covers all areas of the body. Focusing on a definitive diagnosis Dr Shepherd will clearly outline treatment pathways for the patient. Dr Shepherd has an in interest in arthroscopy of the shoulder and knee - particularly rotator cuff syndrome, shoulder instability, ACL repair and osteoarthritis. Total joint replacement of hips, knees and shoulders mean that Dr Shepherd can provide comprehensive lifetime care to a patient with low complication rates.

He is happy to discuss the management of complicated patients with referring doctors.

Born in Mareeba and growing up in Cairns Dr Shepherd has strong ties to the area. After finishing his Medical degree at the University of Queensland David completed his Advanced Training in Orthopaedics working in the major Hospitals of Brisbane. Dr Shepherd returned to his home town as a Visiting Medical Officer in Orthopaedics at the Cairns Hospital. A training sabbatical in the United Kingdom saw him return to Cairns in 1997 to open his private practice.

Dr Shepherd has a long-term commitment to the community of far north Queensland. Dr Shepherd’s Father was a relieving postmaster in the region and as a child Dr Shepherd travelled to remote communities across the Cape. Dr Shepherd is aware of challenges that people in remote areas face and has been involved in the Cairns to Karumba bike ride for a number of years; helping to raise funds for school children in remote areas. As part of the organising committee, a rider and sponsor Dr Shepherd has the privilege of being able to ensure that children have access to the same opportunities as those in larger towns and cities. This commitment extends to patients in remote communities and he is happy to co-ordinate a patient’s care around travel considerations.

Outside of work Dr Shepherd is devoted to his wife and dog; he is currently attempting to train one of these in obedience and agility. He enjoys camping, boating, and exploring the beauty that the Far North and the Cape offer.