David A. Kooby, MD, FACS
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RoleSurgical Oncology
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Research Program
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Practicing Since2003
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (363 ratings)
Dr. Kooby is a Professor of Surgery in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Chief of Emory Surgery in the Northern Arc. He serves as the Chief of Staff and as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. He is the Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs for the Emory University School of Medicine.
Dr. Kooby is an international leader in surgery of the pancreas, liver and biliary system, with an emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic surgical approaches. He also performs high volume gastric and esophageal surgery, among other solid tumor operations. Dr. Kooby co-chaired the first International Conference on Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Resection in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2016, and is frequently invited around the World to lecture on this topic. He served as the Scientific Program Chair of the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association in 2019, for the largest society of liver and pancreas surgeons in the Americas. He is a member of the American Joint Commission on Cancer for updating of the staging of hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies.
Dr. Kooby's research focuses on multi-center, collaborative clinical outcomes studies pertaining to gastrointestinal malignancies. He co-founded the Central Pancreas Consortium, an active multi-institutional group for studying pancreatic tumors and pancreatic surgery, with Emory taking the lead on several high-impact studies. In addition to publishing numerous journal articles and book chapters, he co-edited the 2015 edition of Gastrointestinal Malignancies: New Innovative Diagnostics and Treatment and co-authored the 2007 edition of A Clinician's Guide to Nuclear Oncology.
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| 4.9 |
| Provider showed concern |
| 4.9 |
| Provider explained things clearly |
| 4.9 |
| Provider discussed treatment options |
| 4.9 |
| Provider included you in decisions |
| 4.9 |
| Likelihood of recommending this provider |
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01/16/2026 |
Dr Kooby's explanation of all relevant details was beyond excellent...simply superlative in every way. |
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01/13/2026 |
I had a Pre Op meeting with Dr Kooby. He explained the importance of the surgery, and the risks. He is easy to talk with and understand. |
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01/06/2026 |
Dr. Kooby is the bestprofessional, detailed and caring. |
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12/16/2025 |
Excellent explanation of all concerns |
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12/06/2025 |
Dr Kooby has such a great memory & always makes time for Q-A after he discusses tx plan. He is kind- and cares immensely about his patients welfare. Trust his expertise and experience. |
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12/04/2025 |
Dr. Kooby is an outstanding explainer of the treatment process and considerations which, if they occur, might require a follow-up visit. |
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10/30/2025 |
Depended on professional experience and surgical knowledge of Dr Kooby to assist me in making a decision concerning my health. |
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10/30/2025 |
Dr. Kooby was/is great! |
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10/22/2025 |
My care provider is also beginning to work with a friend of mine. I have described my good experience to my friend. |
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10/14/2025 |
Dr Kooby, MD is such a fabulous physician. He explained everything to me re my MRI, & advises any concerns |
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10/10/2025 |
The care provider and his team are excellent listeners that care about my medical issues. |
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10/07/2025 |
I very much like the doctor and doctor assistant |
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10/07/2025 |
I saw Dr Kooby. I like him as a person and trust him with my care. |
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09/23/2025 |
The best! |
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09/23/2025 |
Clearly explained options,risk and benefit |
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08/19/2025 |
I've been to many doctors offices lately and this experience was amazing and a top tier professional process and clinical practice. The doctors are so amazingly knowledgeable, talented and very good in dealing and communicating with patients. I am so blessed with this clinical experience! Excellent! |
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07/23/2025 |
Dr. Kooby is the absolute BEST! |
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07/15/2025 |
Dr. Kooby is an asset to your institution. |
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06/24/2025 |
Great experience! I felt very comfortable @ |
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05/13/2025 |
Very informative, excellent professional!!! Outstanding surgeon!!! |
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04/23/2025 |
Dr Kooby and his Resident were the highest degree of likable and professional |
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04/10/2025 |
Kooby is excellent at what he does. |
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03/26/2025 |
Dr Kooby is an excellent physician and I would recommend him and his staff to anyone. |
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03/19/2025 |
Dr Kooby was outstanding. Dr Hale (?) was very good as well. |
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02/27/2025 |
Dr. Kooby is an excellent Doctor. He took the time to explain all the issues to me and my family. He also suggested the best treatment for me and consulted with my oncologist as to the treatments available. Dr. Kooby put his patients before himself. |
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02/25/2025 |
Dr Kooby was willing to answer any questions and made me feel at ease with his knowledge of my problems. |
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02/11/2025 |
Thorough explanation and used terms and pictures that I could understand. |
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02/04/2025 |
Being from out of state and seeing Dr. Kooby was the BEST decision I made. I was referred to him by my gastroenterologist and I am so glad he referred him to me! Dr. Kooby has excellent listening skills, great bed side manner, and truly an overall great doctor!! |
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02/04/2025 |
Ms Lisha Ho (the PA) explained my condition very well and addressed all my concerns. She was extremely articulated, knowledgeable and caring. During the visit I also had the opportunity to meet Dr Kooby who ensured everything was ok. I must say I was extremely impressed with the level of competency and care of this team. |
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01/07/2025 |
Dr.Kooby and Staff are the BEST!! |
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12/24/2024 |
Dr Koobe is among the most personable caring physicians I have ever encountered. His thoroughness of explanation is exceptional. |
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11/28/2024 |
I've been a patient of Dr Kooby's for a number of years now & we have a wonderful rapport w/one another. |
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11/19/2024 |
All good |
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11/12/2024 |
Dr Kooby and his team not only saved my life, their compassion and concern for my well-being gave me an excellent quality of life. |
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10/31/2024 |
Awesome doctor |
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10/22/2024 |
Please give Dr. Kooby a huge raise and all physicians training with him should pay close attention because you can't buy this caliber of physician |
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10/18/2024 |
Maybe more clear in future about texting a question thru "my chart" than trying to call office, I didn't realize that, nurse helped me! |
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09/24/2024 |
Excellent |
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09/24/2024 |
Dr Kooby is an excellent physician and a very caring person. He takes his time to explain and address any questions and concerns. |
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09/12/2024 |
Dr. Kooby is excellent at communicating test findings and soliciting input from me (the patient) on potential options for next steps to follow-up on my medical issue. He also listens to any concerns I express and provides his input about my concerns, drawing upon his medical and scientific expertise. |
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09/10/2024 |
All of the physicians were spot on listening and advising treatment recommended |
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08/22/2024 |
I felt like Dr Kooby was always rushed. He partially answered all my questions, but he seemed put off when I asked follow-up questions as if they weren't important. This was my first major surgery. I felt like his technical knowledge, skills, and experience were solid, but I would have appreciated him walking me through more of the details. |
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07/31/2024 |
Dr. Kooby and team very informative and attentive to concerns. |
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07/30/2024 |
Dr. Kooby is an excellent doctor!! |
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07/30/2024 |
I recommend the physician just some things I could not understand . Unable to do anything concerning my small pancreatic tumor and enlarged spleen due to my age and over weight . He recommended I have bariatic surgery and recommended a physician. To me this would be more serious to my body . |
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07/30/2024 |
We love Dr Kooby. |
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07/23/2024 |
Dr. Kooby is the best!!! |
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07/23/2024 |
Dr. Kooby was very thoughtful in his explanation and his next steps plan for me. I really appreciate his conservative approach and his reassuring manner. |
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07/21/2024 |
Dr. David Kooby is great and explains everything in great detail. |
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07/16/2024 |
Very good bedside manner and explained everything so that I could understand what needed to be done. |
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07/02/2024 |
Dr. Kooby is my guy. Period. |
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06/28/2024 |
Dr. Koobys clinic staff are amazing, and I know he would have no other way. |
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06/20/2024 |
Excellent doctors, nurses, and staff. |
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06/20/2024 |
Dr. Kooby And his staff are fantastic. |
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06/19/2024 |
I never thought healthcare could be run so well, very impressed with Emory and dr koobis practiceEmory Is run like the four seasons hotel, very customer focused, my prior experience at piedmont was more like the us postal service Keep up the great work and training |
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06/18/2024 |
DR.KOOBY was more than helpful and explained, everything to me in details what to expect. |
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06/18/2024 |
We are not dismissed yet. Anticipate excellent interaction |
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06/18/2024 |
Dr. Kooby knew when I arrived that I would not be a candidate for surgery. Of course, he had to deliver that bad news, but there really was no point in me traveling 150 miles to Atlanta when my records had been provided in advance. It seemed like this was an exercise for the intern to get some hands on experience for a specific situation. |
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06/04/2024 |
Dr Kooby took time to reassure me, explain everything in depth and gave details about going forward with my treatment plan. |
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06/04/2024 |
We liked Dr. Kooby |
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05/08/2024 |
Very good service |
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05/07/2024 |
Dr. Kooby is the best physician I've ever had. He is compassionate and truly cares. He will call just to check in with you from time to time too. He's everything right about healthcare. |
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04/30/2024 |
Dr Kooby and his team are compassionate and personable. Always accessible and responsive to questions. |
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04/23/2024 |
I'm confident with Dr. Kooby and his care of my difficult medical condition, surgical procedures, post op care and recovery. |
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04/16/2024 |
Very professional team. |
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04/16/2024 |
I felt very rushed. The doctor had not read my test results prior to entering my room. Dr Walker said he did not find the FISH test results so Dr Kooby was looking through my records to find the answers while In the room with us. I do not even feel as though I have the correct diagnosis for my cancer type. My confidence level leaves me seeking a second opinion. |
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04/10/2024 |
Dr. Good with details. |
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04/09/2024 |
I will always recommend Dr. Kooby. He has from day one been amazing to my family and I. |
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04/02/2024 |
Will definitely recommend Dr Kooby! |
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03/28/2024 |
Dr Kooby is absolutely THE BEST! He listens, takes the time to explain, and keep things on a positive note. |
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03/19/2024 |
Dr Kooby is an excellent surgeon with a great personality/ bedside manner. He takes time to explain everything in detail, and answers all the questions. I would recommend him to everyone. |
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03/19/2024 |
I love Dr Kooby he saved my life |
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03/05/2024 |
Loved the doctor & staff mannerisms |
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02/27/2024 |
We love Dr. Kooby and his staff |
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02/20/2024 |
Very good experience. Didn't appear to be rushed, although I am certain there was a full day ahead. |
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02/20/2024 |
Dr. Kooby, is wonderful. He has done a lot for my family and I. |