- Victorian Heart Hospital
- 1 min read
Congratulations to Professor Derek Chew, service medical director at the Victorian Heart Hospital (VHH), on his recent appointment as the next Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the Heart Foundation.
Professor Chew, an interventional cardiologist and cardiovascular health systems researcher, will lead the Heart Foundation’s medical and scientific work and strengthen its output in clinical evidence, research translation and cardiovascular health system improvement.
He will start in the role in July and continue his active research and clinical work at the VHH.
‘There’s a strong synergy between what we learn at the bedside and through research at the Victorian Heart Hospital that can directly inform national strategy through the Heart Foundation,’ he said.
‘A key priority will be to accelerate the translation of evidence into everyday care to ensure patients benefit from advances sooner.’
The Heart Foundation is an Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to reducing the impact of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the country. It funds life-saving research, supports heart health programs, and advocates for policies that help Australians live healthier lives.
‘In Professor Chew, we have found a leader with a combination of deep clinical expertise, strong research credentials and proven health system leadership,’ said David Lloyd, Heart Foundation CEO.
‘I have no doubt that he will guide the Heart Foundation towards its vision of a healthy heart for everyone by 2050.’
Professor Chew will commence in the role in July 2026 and gradually take over the reins from Professor Garry Jennings AO over an extended transition period through to the end of 2027.
