Dr David Eckerman is a Senior Consultant Physician in Rehabilitation Medicine and a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM) of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).
Dr Eckerman obtained his medical degree from the Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas, Venezuela. He subsequently relocated to Sydney, New South Wales, in 1997, where he completed advanced specialist training in Rehabilitation Medicine.
In 2006, Dr Eckerman relocated to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He currently serves as the Director of Rehabilitation Medicine at Peninsula Private Hospital in Kippa-Ring, north of Brisbane, and also consults at Buderim Private Hospital on the Sunshine Coast.
In addition to his hospital roles, Dr Eckerman provides consultations at private outpatient clinics in Buderim and Brisbane.
Dr Eckerman is fluent in both English and Spanish.
A Rehabilitation Medicine Consultant Physician is a specialist doctor who assesses, diagnoses, and treats patients experiencing physical, cognitive, or psychosocial functional decline due to injury, illness, or chronic medical conditions.
Rehabilitation physicians lead multidisciplinary teams to optimise recovery, improve functional capacity, manage pain, maximise independence, and enhance overall quality of life.
Conditions Managed
Neurological
Stroke and Acquired Brain Injuries, Spinal Injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism, neurodegenerative diseases, Cerebral Palsy, movement disorders and other neurological issues.
Musculoskeletal
Arthritis and Rheumatological diseases, Myopathies, tendon, ligament and joint injuries, Muscular Dystrophy and related conditions.
Orthopaedic
Post joint replacement, fractures and trauma recovery, spinal surgery.
Cardiac
Post acute cardiac events and cardiac surgery such as valve replacements and bypass, heart failure and post pacemaker insertion.
Respiratory
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), post pneumonia, restrictive pulmonary disease and post lung surgery.
Geriatric
Multiple medical issues due to chronic diseases, Functional and Cognitive decline, Frailty and Mobility issues, Falls prevention, Deconditioning following illness or hospitalisation
Post-operative recovery and reconditioning
Recovery following complex surgical procedures that cause functional decline.
Restoration of mobility, strength, and independence after surgery
Special Interests
- Spasticity Management and disorders of muscular tone including the therapeutic use of Botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is one of the breakthroughs in the management of muscular tone disorders to prevent and treat contractures caused for example by stroke, cerebral palsy, brain and spinal injuries. Treatment helps improve functional outcomes, positioning of limbs as well as pain and hygiene of patients.
- Rehabilitation of movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and other causes of Parkinsonism as well as neurodegenerative disorders.
- Medicolegal assessments and reporting.
- Dr Eckerman undertakes supervision and teaching of medical students.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Effective rehabilitation requires a coordinated, team-based approach. Dr Eckerman works closely with a multidisciplinary team that may include:
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Exercise physiologists
- Rehabilitation nurses
- Psychologists and neuropsychologists
- Dietitians
- Speech Therapists
- Social workers
Together, the team develops individualised, patient-centred rehabilitation plans tailored to each patient’s medical condition, goals, and functional needs.
Goal
The primary goal of rehabilitation medicine is to maximise recovery of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial function, enabling patients to regain independence and reintegrate into daily life, community activities, and work where possible.
Locations
Inpatients
Buderim Private Hospital
12 Elsa Wilson Dr
Buderim QLD 4556
Ph: 07 5430 3059
Fax: 07 5430 3072
Peninsula Private Hospital
Cnr George and Florence Sts
Kippa-Ring QLD 4021
Ph: 07 3883 9300
Fax: 07 3883 9433
Email: pphrehab@healthscope.com.au
Outpatient Clinics
Buderim Outpatient Clinic
Nucleus Medical Suites
Buderim Private Hospital
Suite 15, 23 Elsa Wilson Dr.
Buderim QLD 4556
Ph: 0491 978 062
Fax: 07 5444 0098
Email: admin@eckerman.com.au
MyTurn Rehabilitation
4/53 Brandl St
Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113
Ph: 1300 698 876
Email: admin@myturn.com.au
Referrals & Appointments
Medical Objects for referrals and letters is preferred, or email admin@eckerman.com.au
Referrals are accepted from General Practitioners, Medical Specialists, 3rd party insurers, NIISQ, iCare, TAC, TIO and Workers Compensation.
Referrals from a GP or Medical Specialist are required to access rebates from Medicare for outpatient appointments and for health fund covered inpatient admissions.
Health funds do not cover outpatient medical specialist appointments.
Private consulting fees apply, payment is required at the time of your consultation.
Patients covered under third party insurers do not have out of pocket costs as your insurer covers all treatment related expenses.
For in-hospital admissions and day rehabilitation, health funds and insurers cover the medical costs, Dr Eckerman does not charge a gap fee.
For all medicolegal assessment enquiries and bookings please call 0491 978 062 or email admin@eckerman.com.au
Postal Address
P.O.Box 1669 Buderim QLD 4556
Professional Memberships
AFRM (RACP)
Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
RMSANZ
Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand
AAPMR
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
ANZSGM
Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine
ACRM
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
ISPRM
International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation