Paul W.M. Fedak, MD

Physician, leader, 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. I am committed to the idea that innovation without compassion is incomplete, and that excellence without mentorship leaves no legacy.

In this new chapter of my career, I seek to broaden my impact — helping shape the future of healthcare systems, scientific discovery, and equitable innovation. I am called to roles where vision matters, where presence matters, and where the deep work of building culture, trust, and enduring excellence can happen.

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.

Paul W.M. Fedak, MD PhD

I am a cardiac surgeon, scientist, and system leader committed to transforming how we heal—by bridging innovation with humanity and excellence with presence. Through a career rooted in discovery, precision, and mentorship, I strive to create spaces where science advances, people flourish, and bold leadership reshapes what’s possible in healthcare and beyond.

My passion lies in translating cutting-edge science from bench to bedside. My work focuses on developing and advancing new surgical therapies for patients with advanced heart disease—where medicine, research, and technology intersect. As a surgeon-scientist, I lead the Campbell Family Translational Research Program, where we train the next generation and develop 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). I pursued fellowship training in complex heart failure and valve surgery at Northwestern University. My research has led to innovations in sternal closure, tissue regeneration, and the surgical management of bicuspid aortic valve disease. I’ve authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications, with more than 20,000 citations. With an h-index of 66, I am recognized as one of the most highly cited surgeon-scientists in cardiovascular research globally.

As Director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and a former clinical department head, I lead multidisciplinary efforts that advance research, education, and patient care for more than 2 million Canadians. I also regularly contribute to global conversations on innovation in surgery and healthcare, including through my TEDx talk, “Beyond Mastery.”

In addition to academic and clinical leadership, I offer strategic consulting services to health tech startups, medical technology companies, venture capital firms, healthcare systems, and academic institutions. My services include medtech strategy, clinical validation, translational research planning, academic program review, and innovation ecosystem design. I help organizations navigate complexity, de-risk innovation, and translate vision into impact. I’m especially drawn to initiatives that reimagine cardiovascular care and build sustainable innovation capacity in healthcare.

Let’s connect around cardiovascular innovation, translational science, medtech, or academic strategy.