David was previously the NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) North West regional medical director and brings a huge amount of previous experience to his role as chief medical officer. He trained in London, Oxford and Leeds as a clinical oncologist (cancer specialist) and worked as a cancer specialist with an interest in brain tumours in Sheffield. He’s also worked in a number of medical director leadership roles at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the regional North Trent Cancer Network.

In 2009, David left the NHS and led cancer services in British Columbia until 2011 as president of the British Columbia Cancer Agency. This gave David an opportunity to look at a different approach to healthcare and the delivery of world class outcomes.

David’s also held roles such as medical advisor for cancer to the Department of Health, medical director at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and medical director for NHS England Midlands and East.