Professor Derek Chew

Chief Scientific and Medical Officer

Professor Derek Chew leads the Heart Foundation’s scientific, clinical evidence and research agenda.

Professor Chew is an eminent Australian cardiologist and cardiovascular health systems researcher, with a multi-decade career spanning frontline clinical care, large-scale research and senior leadership roles across hospitals, universities, research institutes and government.

He has led major national and international clinical research programs and is widely recognised for his expertise in cardiovascular medicine, clinical trials and quality improvement. This includes a particular focus on health system changes to align with current and emerging technology in cardiac care.

He has completed a Masters of Public Health, at the Harvard School of Public Health, with training in epidemiology, trial design, biostastics, clinical trials and cost-effective analysis. His PhD thesis explored the factors for improving heart attack care in Australia. Previously, he was the Commissioner, Commission on Excellence & Innovation in Health, South Australia. Professor Chew also serves as Professor and Director of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Victoria Heart Hospital and Director of Health Informatics Research at the Monash Victorian Heart Institute. He brings a strong record of leading complex clinical and academic organisations and translating evidence into practice.

He continues with his active research and clinical work based out of Victoria Heart Hospital.