Prof McGavigan graduated from the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom and undertook postgraduate studies both in the UK and Australia. In 2003, he completed a Doctorate of Medicine (MD), which was conferred by the University of Glasgow. He then completed training in cardiac electrophysiology at Glasgow Royal Infirmary in the United Kingdom and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia, prior to taking up post as a Staff Specialist at Flinders Medical Centre in 2007. He is the Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing for the Southern Area Local Healthcare Network. 

Prof McGavigan is recognized as a clinical expert in the assessment of palpitations, arrhythmias, syncope and sudden death. He has expertise in all aspects of non-invasive and invasive cardiac electrophysiology, including electrophysiological studies, simple and complex radiofrequency ablation and the implantation and follow up of device therapy for bradycardia, tachycardia and heart failure. He has a particular clinical interest in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. 

Prof McGavigan is Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Flinders University and is the author of more than 50 clinical papers, reviews and book chapters in addition to an extensive number of published abstracts. He is actively involved in national and international clinical trials. He is a Board Member of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, Chair of the Electrophysiology and Pacing Council of CSANZ and a Board Member of the Australasian Cardiac Outcomes Registry.