Dr David Speakman

Dr David Speakman is currently the Chief Medical Officer at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac), having held this position since 2013.  He has previously held positions as the Executive Director Clinical Services and Director of the Melanoma and Skin Service both at Peter Mac.  David was intimately involved in the conception, design and build of Peter Mac’s new facilities in Parkville, Victoria which delivered a purpose designed future proofed and patient centered facility for patients with cancer.

David is also a practicing clinician working in both the Breast and Melanoma and Skin Units both at Peter Mac and in private.  He has over 20 year’s sub-specialist experience in both these areas.  David is the Chair of Breast Screen Victoria’s Quality and Accreditation Committee.  David is a member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Council representing both melanoma and surgical oncology groups.

David remains actively involved in teaching programs for medical, nursing and allied health students of all levels from under to post graduate trainees.  In addition, David is a long standing facilitator in the “Breaking Bad News” training program run through the Cancer Council of Victoria.

David has sat on numerous government advisory, NHMRC guideline, and optimal cancer care pathway committees.  He is currently the Deputy Chair of the NHMRC non-melanoma skin cancer guidelines committee.

David has also held the quality and safety/clinical governance portfolio at Peter Mac for the past six years, having responsibility for hospital accreditation, clinical risk programs, national standards committees and complaints management. 

David is a firm supporter of patient centered care and that a strong connection between the patient, the patient’s family and their entire treating team is vital in obtaining the best outcomes for patients with cancer.