Dr Peter O'Donohue - Specialist in Breast Cancer and Melanoma Surgery

Dr Peter O'Donohue is a Specialist General Surgeon with advanced subspecialty training in breast cancer, oncoplastic breast surgery, and melanoma surgery. He is dedicated to providing surgical care that fits the needs of his patients across Toowoomba, the Darling Downs, and the surrounding regional communities.

His practice encompasses a wide range of areas including breast cancer treatment and benign breast conditions, melanoma, and skin cancer surgeries, which may involve complex procedures requiring lymph node assessment or reconstruction.

With a calm, approachable demeanor and a commitment to clear communication, Dr O'Donohue believes that patients should understand their diagnosis, feel involved in their treatment decisions, and know who is looking after them throughout their surgical journey.

Advanced Training & Qualifications

Dr O'Donohue completed his medical degree at Griffith University in 2009, following a Bachelor of Science (Biomedicine) at the University of Queensland. He also holds a Master of Clinical Epidemiology from the University of Newcastle.

He underwent advanced general surgical training in Queensland and was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in 2020.

After completing his surgical fellowship, Dr O'Donohue further enhanced his skills at Townsville University Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth.

He pursued dedicated post-fellowship training in oncoplastic breast surgery and melanoma through Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ), including placements at:

• Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne – specializing in cancer surgery and multidisciplinary oncology care.
• Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand – providing advanced training in breast and melanoma surgeries.

Dr O'Donohue is a Full Member of BreastSurgANZ and actively participates in the BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit to support continuous improvement of breast cancer surgical care.

Areas of Surgical Expertise

Breast Cancer & Oncoplastic Surgery

Dr O'Donohue specializes in surgical treatment for breast cancer and benign breast conditions, combining advanced cancer surgery with reconstructive and breast-reshaping techniques when appropriate.

His practice includes:

• Breast-conserving and oncoplastic surgery
• Therapeutic mammoplasty and local perforator flaps
• Mastectomy, including selected skin- and nipple-sparing options
• Implant-based breast reconstruction
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary surgery
• Surgical biopsies and breast lump removals
• Treatment for benign breast conditions

Melanoma Surgery

Dr O'Donohue offers expert surgical assessment and treatment for melanoma, including extensive excisions, lymph node assessments, and necessary reconstructions.

Procedures include:

• Wide local excision of melanoma
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy
• Selected axillary and groin lymph node surgeries
• Complex melanoma excisions
• Skin grafts and flap reconstructions

Treatment planning is informed by pathology findings, current clinical evidence, and multidisciplinary input when appropriate.

Skin Cancer Surgery

Dr O'Donohue also treats basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and various other skin cancers, including cases that require complex excisions or reconstructive surgeries.

His practice includes:

• Removal of BCC and SCC
• Treatments for complex or recurrent skin cancers
• Surgical options for selected facial, scalp, ear, and neck skin cancers
• Skin grafts and local or regional flap reconstructions
• Minor skin cancer surgeries under local anesthetic in DDSO's dedicated Minor Procedure Clinic without requiring hospital admission.

A Personal Approach to Surgical Care

For Dr O'Donohue, surgery is just one aspect of patient care. He believes that excellent surgical care starts with listening closely, clearly explaining treatment options, and tailoring a plan that reflects each patient's diagnosis, circumstances, and preferences.

As a locally based surgeon, Dr O'Donohue remains actively involved in his patients' care from the initial consultation through to surgery and postoperative recovery. He reviews his admitted patients during their hospital stay and conducts postoperative consultations in his Toowoomba practice.

Together with the DDSO team, he coordinates pathology results, wound care, follow-up appointments, and maintains communication with referring doctors to ensure continuity and clarity throughout the surgical journey.

Collaborative Cancer Care, Close to Home

Dr O'Donohue collaborates closely with local breast imaging, pathology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology specialists. He actively participates in multidisciplinary discussions to support coordinated, evidence-based cancer treatment options for his patients.

Based at St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital, his practice allows patients across the Darling Downs to access specialised surgical assessment and treatment locally, with referrals to additional services as needed.

Beyond the Operating Theatre

Having been raised in Maryborough, Dr O'Donohue has a strong connection to regional Queensland and is deeply committed to enhancing specialist healthcare in the Darling Downs. Outside his medical career, he enjoys quality time with his young family, friends, and dogs, and engages in running.

Appointments & Referrals

Dr O'Donohue welcomes referrals for breast cancer, benign breast conditions, melanoma, and skin cancer surgery, including complex cases and requests for second opinions. Urgent referrals are prioritised based on clinical need.

As a local surgeon, he emphasizes connected care and personal follow-through with each patient.