Dr. Coates-Clark completed her undergraduate studies summa cum laude at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, where she was later inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. In 1993, she graduated with her medical degree from The Howard University College of Medicine. She later completed her orthopedic surgery residency also at the Howard University College of Medicine, then went on to complete a sports medicine fellowship at Staten Island Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Staten Island, New York, with an affiliation with Hospital for Special Surgery. She currently practices at the North Florida South Georgia VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida, where she has served the veterans for 13 years. She has presented research at various medical societies and has published articles. She is a member of The Forum, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, Arthroscopic Association of North America, J Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society, and Jack and Jill Inc. As a former International Jamaican sprinter, she enjoys running and yoga as well as taking care of her beautiful daughters along with her husband.