Paul W.M. Fedak, MD
Physician, writer, and consultant dedicated to advancing medicine, innovation, and human well-being.
I have devoted my career to pushing the frontiers of cardiac surgery, translational science, and regenerative healing — and just as importantly, to lifting others as I climb. Innovation without compassion is incomplete. Excellence without mentorship leaves no legacy.
This new chapter of my work is about impact beyond the operating room — helping shape the future of healthcare systems, scientific discovery, and leadership rooted in presence and trust. My path has been shaped not only by achievement, but also by collapse — moments that taught me the cost of silence, and the power of being seen.
I lead with the conviction that:
Healing is both a biological and human process.
Innovation must be rooted in the lived experiences of those we serve.
Wisdom often emerges not in acceleration, but in reflection — in solitude and a walk around the lake.
What I do
Cardiac Surgeon • Translational Scientist • Health Innovation and Thought Leader • Writer • Consultant
I am a surgeon, scientist, and system leader committed to transforming how we heal — by bridging innovation with humanity and excellence with presence. My work has always been at the intersection of science, surgery, and story: where technology advances, people flourish, and leadership reimagines what is possible in healthcare.
As a cardiac surgeon and translational scientist, I have dedicated my career to developing new therapies for patients with advanced heart disease. I direct the Campbell Family Translational Research Program, where we train the next generation and pioneer biomaterials and tissue-engineered solutions for cardiovascular disease.
After completing my MD and PhD at the University of Toronto, I trained in cardiac surgery (FRCSC) and advanced heart failure/valve surgery at Northwestern University. My research has contributed to innovations in sternal closure, tissue regeneration, and the surgical management of bicuspid aortic valve disease. With over 250 peer-reviewed publications and more than 22,000 citations (h-index 66), I am recognized among the most highly cited surgeon-scientists in cardiovascular research worldwide.
As former Director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and clinical department head, I have led multidisciplinary teams advancing research, education, and patient care for millions of Canadians. Beyond academia, I consult with health tech startups, medical technology companies, venture capital firms, and healthcare systems on translational strategy, innovation ecosystems, and medtech validation.
But beyond titles and metrics, what matters most is this: innovation without compassion is incomplete, and excellence without mentorship leaves no legacy. I am called to roles where vision and presence matter — where we can build cultures of trust, advance discovery, and reimagine what healthcare and leadership can truly mean.
