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Professor

David McCormack

Professor of Surgical Innovation

Medical School Development Project

BIO

With over 15 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery, clinical leadership, healthcare management, and medical education, I am a passionate and dedicated clinician, leader, innovator and professor. I currently serve as the National Clinical Lead for Procurement, Supply Chain and Health Technology Management at Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, where I am responsible for the strategic planning and implementation of healthcare solutions that enhance efficiency and service delivery.

As a practicing surgeon and past head of cardiothoracic surgery at Te Whatu Ora Waikato, I have experience leading teams of professionals in providing exceptional patient care, with a focus on complex aortic pathology and multivalvular surgery. I also hold professorial roles at The University of Waikato and The University of Auckland, where I share my knowledge and experience to inspire and educate the clinicians of tomorrow. In addition, I have contributed to national surgical courses, medical research, and publications, leveraging my skills in public speaking, simulation training, quality assurance, and course development.

My mission is to advance healthcare innovation, reduce disparities in healthcare access, and foster a nurturing learning environment.

UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO APPOINTMENTS

  • Professor of Surgical Innovation
    University of Waikato, Medical School Development Project

NON-ACADEMIC POSITIONS

  • National Clinical Lead
    Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, New Zealand1 Dec 2022 - 18 Aug 2025
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer
    Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand1 Nov 2021 - 1 Dec 2022
  • Clinical Director
    Waikato District Health Board, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hamilton, New Zealand1 Jul 2019 - 1 Dec 2021
  • Cardiothoracic Surgeon
    Waikato District Health Board, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hamilton, New Zealand1 Oct 2016 - present

DEGREES

  • MBA (Distinction), Business & Leadership
    University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
  • MBBS (Distinction)
    University of London, London, United Kingdom
  • FRCS (Cardiothoracic)
    Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, United Kingdom
  • FRCSEd (Cardiothoracic)
    Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • MRCS
    Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, United Kingdom
  • BSc (Hons) - Physiology and Neuroscience
    University of London, London, United Kingdom

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Health Law Intensive
    University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • Qualitative Research Methods for Public Health
    Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
  • MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence in Health Care
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan, Massachusetts, United States

LANGUAGES

  • English
    Can read, write, speak, understand and peer review

UOW ROLE

  • Staff

AVAILABILITY

  • Masters Research or PhD student supervision
  • Industry Projects
  • Collaborative projects
  • Teaching provision
  • Membership of an advisory committee
  • Join a web conference as a panellist or speaker
  • Career advice

RESEARCH AREA