Dr David Speakman

Dr David Speakman is a Surgeon specialising in Breast Disease and Melanoma.  He has over 22 years sub-specialist experience in these areas.

Dr Speakman is particularly interested in the minimally invasive treatment of breast cancer involving breast conservation, oncoplastic techniques, sentinel node biopsy and neo-adjuvant therapies. He 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.

Dr Speakman is the Chief Medical Officer at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and is a Senior Surgeon in both the Breast and Skin and Melanoma Units. He believes that a strong connection between the patient and their entire treating team is vital in getting the best outcomes for patients with cancer.

Dr Speakman was involved in the concept, design, build and coordination of the construction of the new purpose- built Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Parkville. This involved establishing initial government support, interactive tendering, extensive design, work with a successful bidder and the overall coordination of the redevelopment project form a clinical service perspective. In addition to the actual physical build, Dr Speakman was integral to the design and establishment of the operating model between the principle three operating partners Peter Mac, Royal Melbourne and Royal Womens Hospitals. In addition, he has played a key role in the successful bid, design and implementation work and delivery of the Parkville Precinct Electronic Medical Record (EPIC).

David was appointed State Clinical Director of Breast Screen Victorian in 2021 and has had a long involvement with the breast screening program through assessment clinics as well as Chair of Breast Screen Victoria’s Quality and accreditation Committee. David has represented both the skin cancer and melanoma and surgical oncology groups on the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Council.

David was appointed to the Order of Australia at the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours for his outstanding achievements and contributions to medicine, particularly cancer.