Dr David Speakman is a Surgeon specialising in Breast Disease and Melanoma. He has over 20 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. 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. Dr Speakman is active in clinical trial programs, in particular the large Z11 Trial in Breast Cancer and the MSLT II in Melanoma. These are both international trials. He has taught medical students from both Melbourne and Monash Universities for the past 20 years. Communication in cancer care is critical. Dr Speakman has taught the “Breaking Bad News” communication skills course for clinicians at The Royal College of Surgeons for the past 10 years. Dr Speakman is the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director Medical Services at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and is a Senior Surgeon in both the Breast and Skin and Melanoma Units there. Dr 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.