Dr. Exner is a professor in the Cumming School of Medicine and Executive Director of the IMPACT clinical trials accelerator program at Innovate Calgary, University of Calgary.

Derek is a practicing heart rhythm specialist. He is a recognized international expert in cardiovascular medical devices for heart rhythm disorders and both lectures and trains physicians on novel operative techniques.

Derek is actively involved with innovation and commercialization activities, including co-founding two medical start-up companies, leading commercialization efforts for multiple medical devices, advising multiple large and small medical device companies, serving as an expert to the Canadian government, and actively mentoring companies through the Creative Destruction Network and other avenues.

Derek founded the IMPACT clinical trials accelerator program to assist companies with demonstrating proof of concept for their medical devices and gaining market access approval.