Western Sydney University welcomes new Dean of Medicine

Western Sydney University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Peter Hockey as the new Dean of the School of Medicine within the Faculty of Health.

With experience in South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, and most recently in Australia, Professor Hockey is a leader in healthcare education, quality and patient safety, and workforce development.

Professor Hockey joins Western from Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) where he held the position of Executive Director of Quality and Safety since 2023. He led the governance of quality, patient safety, clinical risk management, clinical education, clinical research and the NSW Statewide Health Literacy Hub; following his tenure as the Director of Education at WSLHD since 2019.

Helping to establish the Sydney Health Executive Education Unit within the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, Professor Hockey also holds an Honorary Clinical Professor role within Sydney Medical School.

Prior to his appointments in Sydney, Professor Hockey was a Consultant Respiratory Physician and Postgraduate Dean for Health Education England (Wessex). A former Harkness Fellow at Harvard Medical School, he broadened his expertise in healthcare policy, focusing on quality determinants of health and system efficiencies.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Professor Sarah Lewis, warmly welcomed Professor Hockey to the University and his new role.

“It is with great delight that we welcome Professor Hockey to Western to lead the School of Medicine. Peter has worked in Western Sydney for the past seven years and brings a deep knowledge of strengths and challenges in healthcare in our region," Professor Lewis said.

"His connection to our Local Health Districts and focus on quality care and best practice in interprofessional health education will really boost our leadership and aspirations across the School of Medicine's various Disciplines."

Excited to be joining the University, Professor Hockey is looking forward to leading the School of Medicine’s performance in teaching and learning, research, external engagement, partnerships, and enhancement of the student experience, while playing a key role in advancing the WESTERN 2030 strategic plan by driving the international ambitions of the University, growing staff and student mobility.

"My belief is that the Dean role at the School of Medicine is one of the most impactful positions to be able to influence healthcare for the future of Western Sydney," Professor Hockey said.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of supporting the committed professional and academic staff in the School of Medicine to share my excitement in helping shape and develop the future medical workforce in Western Sydney."

Professor Hockey will commence in the role on 12 November 2026.

25 September 2026
Media Unit