Which doctor?—Dr Christopher P Allan

What is your training and experience?

I gained my primary medical qualifications through the University of Queensland in 1996 and completed my general surgical training in Queensland in 2006.

In 2003 I completed a Masters in Philosophy research year at the Mater Medical Research Institute with the thesis entitled Preclinical studies of a Tumour Total RNA Loaded CMRF-56 Blood Dendritic Cell Vaccination for the Prevention of Breast Cancer Relapse.

Following my general surgical fellowship, I completed two years of sub-speciality fellowship training in surgical oncology—breast and endocrine in 2006 at Mater Adult Hospital and soft tissue sarcoma and melanoma in 2007 at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

Why did you choose to specialise in your area?

I enjoy the challenge and patient interaction of both general surgery and in particular surgical oncology.

What is the most interesting/exciting area of your work, and why?

In surgical oncology, tailoring the optimal treatment for each particular patient. In general surgery, evaluating and treating patients with acute problems. Both make you thin/stimulate your surgical mind.

What has been your greatest professional achievement so far?

Gaining my qualifications. It has taken a great deal of time and effort with the goal being to train myself as well as possible to offer a quality specialty service for my patients in both surgical oncology and general surgery.

What is the most challenging thing about working in your specialty?

Guiding patients with cancer through the challenges they face with both their surgery and any potential adjuvant treatment. Also, teaching my medical students and registrars.

Do you have a passion besides medicine?

If yes, what is it? My family, they mean everything to me. We live on acreage and I spend a significant amount of time looking after the rather large yard and gardens—my therapy!