David Speakman

Biography

Mr Speakman is a surgeon specialising in breast disease and melanoma and has over 15 years sub-specialist experience in these areas. He is particularly interested in the minimally invasive treatment of breast cancer involving breast conservation, oncoplastic techniques, sentinel node biopsy and neo-adjuvant therapies. Mr Speakman was trained in breast reconstructive techniques as a Fellow and also works closely with dedicated breast plastic and reconstructive surgeons. He is also widely experienced in benign breast disease. He has had a long involvement with the breast screening program through assessment clinics as well as on the Scientific Advisory Committee of BreastScreen Victoria. Mr Speakman is active in clinical trial programs, in particular the large Z11 Trial in Breast Cancer and the MSLT II in Melanoma; both international trials. He has taught medical students from both The University of Melbourne and Monash University for the past 20 years believing that communication in cancer care is critical. Mr Speakman has taught the “Breaking Bad News” communication skills course for clinicians at The Royal College of Surgeons for the past 10 years. Mr Speakman is also Executive Director: Clinical Services at Peter Mac and is a senior surgeon in both the Breast Service and Melanoma and Skin Service. Mr Speakman believes that a strong connection between the patient and their entire treating team is vital in getting the best outcomes for patients with cancer.

Research Interest

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY