Professor David McCormack

Professor David McCormack is a cardiothoracic surgeon, national health leader, and professor of health sciences based in Aotearoa New Zealand. He leads the Healthcare AI initiative at the University of Waikato and previously serves as the national clinical lead for health technology, procurement, and supply chain for Health New Zealand.

David works at the intersection of surgery, systems leadership, and emerging technologies — with a firm focus on equity, rural health, and delivering meaningful change. As a practicing surgeon within a large regional service, he continues to care for patients from some of New Zealand’s most remote communities. He has witnessed first-hand the health consequences of systemic inequity, and the life stories of his patients drive his commitment to reimagining healthcare delivery.

Whether advocating for AI tools that truly serve the front line, redesigning education to support rural clinicians, or delivering critical care in moments that matter, David is motivated by a singular goal: to build better healthcare for real people in the places where it’s needed most.