Associate Professor David Richards retires on 30 April 2024

Dr David Richards and Dr Michael Skinner, with Dr Liza Thomas established Westmead Private Cardiology (WPC) in 2000, coinciding with the opening of Westmead Private Hospital (WPH). Numerous other cardiologists have worked at WPC, many of whom remained at WPC in 2024.  

David was born in Sydney and completed his schooling at The Scots College Bellevue Hill. He took up an American Field Service scholarship in 1966 and lived in California for a year before commencing studies at Sydney University. He graduated BSc(Med)Hons1 (1970), MBBS (1974), MD (1984) and was awarded FRACP (1981). He is a Fellow of The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, and was Secretary and Treasurer of that organisation (1986 – 1992). He has been a Clinical Associate Professor at Sydney University (1999 -2008), and an Honorary Associate Professor since 2008. He spent one year of post-doctoral studies in Maastricht (1982) at the University of Limburg with Professor Hein Wellens and Pedro Brugada, and another at the University of Pennsylvania (1983); and published landmark papers on the mechanism of ventricular tachycardia after myocardial infarction.

David worked at Sydney Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, was the first Cardiology Fellow at Westmead Hospital in 1980, and was Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Liverpool Hospital 2008-2016. He published numerous papers in peer reviewed journals on a variety of topics, including heat stress associated with physical exertion, cardiac electrophysiology, and cardiotoxicity secondary to chemotherapy for cancer. In 2008 David was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to cardiology and for coordinating medical care at the City to Surf over three decades. He co-authored two editions of a medicolegal textbook, “Why Patients Sue Doctors” (2019 and 2020).

In addition to consulting, diagnostic testing and interventional procedures at WPC, David was an enthusiastic and popular mentor, who fostered teaching and research, beyond that usually encountered in private practice. Over the years he supervised several successful PhD students at Sydney University, University of Technology Sydney, Griffith University and University of New South Wales.

Many cardiologists who spent time at WPC have moved on to leadership roles at other institutions. Several student echocardiographers gained practical experience at WPC, while successfully completing their studies in cardiac ultrasound. Two have earned Doctor of Philosophy degrees and, in 2024, four highly skilled echocardiographers shared the responsibility for providing cardiac ultrasound services at WPC and WPH.

Under David’s competent management and focused leadership, WPC has thrived, supported by the dedicated and competent services of echocardiography, clerical and trained nursing staff, several of whom have remained at the practice for more than ten years. One secretary has been at WPC since its establishment.

David is a respected clinician, teacher, mentor and friend to all who have experienced his special brand of measured, compassionate and thoughtful care. During his fifty year medical career he has gained the respect of both colleagues and patients, and earned the high regard in which he is held.

Dr Richards is proud to have been part of the first generation of cardiologists at WPC. He looks forward to observing from the side-line, and reflecting on many happy and productive years at WPC.

David and wife Maria have four adult children and seven grandchildren living across three different countries. They look forward to having more time to pursue new interests and enjoying their family.

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