Dr. John de Csepel took on the role of Chief Medical Officer at Olympus in 2023, diving headfirst into a new challenge. He’s responsible for critical areas like clinical research, medical education, and patient safety, all while guiding the company’s approach to medical technology. But this isn’t just a job for Dr. de Csepel—it’s an extension of the work he’s been passionate about for years.
Before joining Olympus, he spent over 16 years at Medtronic, where he climbed the ranks to become Global Regions Chief Medical Officer. During his time there, he faced some of the biggest challenges in healthcare, particularly when COVID-19 hit. Dr. de Csepel led Medtronic’s medical response during the pandemic, ensuring that their technology met the needs of overwhelmed hospitals and healthcare workers. For his efforts, he earned the Star of Excellence Award in 2021, a well-deserved recognition for his leadership during a crisis.
But there’s more to his story. In 2020, Dr. de Csepel received Medtronic’s Luann Pendy Leadership Award, honoring his commitment to promoting diversity, especially when it came to advancing women in leadership roles. For him, diversity isn’t just a checkbox—it’s about making sure that different perspectives shape the future of healthcare.
Beyond the corporate world, Dr. de Csepel’s career has taken him to places most people would never dare go. As a war surgeon with Doctors Without Borders, he worked in conflict zones, providing emergency care in dangerous and unpredictable conditions. The American Red Cross recognized his bravery and compassion, awarding him for his “Extraordinary Acts of Courage and Compassion.” This experience was more than just another chapter in his career—it was a deeply personal mission to help people in desperate need.
Despite his demanding roles, Dr. de Csepel has always stayed connected to the clinical side of medicine. After graduating from Georgetown University’s School of Medicine, he completed his general surgery residency and fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at Mount Sinai. Even with all the accolades and leadership roles, he still found time to teach and work as a trauma surgeon at the Icahn School of Medicine. It’s clear that hands-on patient care is something he never wanted to give up.
Now at Olympus, Dr. de Csepel is leading the Medical and Scientific Affairs division. Olympus has been a major player in medical technology since 1919, specializing in minimally invasive procedures and life sciences research. Dr. de Csepel’s job is to ensure that the company’s innovation directly improves patient outcomes. That’s why he’s part of the Global Executive Committee, reporting directly to the CEO. His goal is simple: bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and the real-world needs of patients and doctors.
What’s next for Dr. de Csepel at Olympus? He’s focused on pushing forward minimally invasive techniques that make surgeries easier on patients, reduce recovery times, and improve outcomes overall. It’s all part of his broader vision for healthcare—one where technology makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Dr. de Csepel’s journey from the operating room to the boardroom has been anything but typical. Whether he’s leading a global medical response, championing diversity, or performing emergency surgery in a war zone, his dedication to improving healthcare never wavers. And now, at Olympus, he’s continuing that mission—driving innovation with the same passion he’s always had, all for the sake of better care for patients around the world.
Also Read: The 10 Most Innovative Chief Medical Officers to Watch in 2024.
