MEET THE SURGEON
David McCormack
David McCormack, a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Professor David McCormack is a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at the Waikato Cardiothoracic Unit. He also holds leadership roles in the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, serving on advisory groups for both Te Whatu Ora and the University of Waikato.
With a clinical focus on aortic and valve surgery, David’s expertise spans ischaemic heart disease, complex aortic procedures, and emerging technologies that support safer surgical care. His background includes international fellowships, senior leadership within cardiac services, and an ongoing commitment to research, teaching, and outcome-driven improvements.
Education
Prof McCormack completed formal training in Cardiothoracic Surgery in leading centres. Below is a collection of central London centres within which Prof McCormack was trained:
- Barts Heart Centre
- Guy’s Hospital
- Harefield Hospital
- St Thomas’ Hospital
- St Georges’ Hospital
- King’s College London
- Hammersmith Hospital
- The London Chest Hospital
Fellowships and qualifications
- Fellowship of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (FCSANZ)
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS) Cardiothoracic Surgery
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) University of Bristol
Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MB BCh)(Commendation) University of Wales College of Medicine
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology (BSc)(Hons) University of Wales College of Medicine
Professional contributions and leadership roles
Senior Lecturer (2021) Department of Surgery FMHS, University of Auckland
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS) - Cardiothoracic Surgery
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) University of Bristol
University of Auckland senior surgical lecturer
Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MB BCh)(Commendation)
University of Wales College of Medicine
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology (BSc)(Hons) University of Wales College of Medicine
Recent prizes and awards
- Foundation 100 Fellowship (2023) Heart Foundation NZ
- John Parker Medal (2014) Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of GB & Ireland
- Academic Clinical Lectureship (2013) National Institute of Health Research
John Parker Medal (2011) Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of GB & Ireland
Recognised by national and international award bodies and associations
Publications
Prof McCormack is experienced in research and academia. He has presented scientific and clinical work worldwide over the past two decades.