Dr. Coward completed his medical training at the University of Southern California School of Medicine in 1978 and orthopaedic residency training at the University of California Davis School of Medicine in 1983.  He completed an extensive fellowship training in knee arthroscopy with Robert Metcalf, M.D., and Thomas Rosenberg, M.D. in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1982.  Dr. Coward is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery.  Professional memberships include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; the California Orthopaedic Association; the Western Orthopaedic Association; the Arthroscopy Association of North America; the International Society of Arthroscopy & Knee Surgery, and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine; the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons; the Bay Area Knee Society; and the California Athletic Trainer's Association.

Dr. Coward began private practice in 1983, founding Sacramento Knee & Sports Medicine, and continued to serve as Chief of the Sports Medicine Service at UC Davis Medical Center for an additional year.  He specializes in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the knee and has completed over 10,000 knee surgeries, including 2000 anterior cruciate ligament repairs and 5000 total knee replacements. 

Dr. Coward has authored numerous articles and given many presentations on knee-related issues.  In co-ordination with Sutter Community Hospitals, he has developed a program to help prevent anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes, entitled The Sutter Sports Enhancement Program.  He can be found in attendance at multiple Junior and Senior High School events demonstrating this technique as part of his many community service contributions.

Dr. Coward is a basketball enthusiast and plays golf.