MR Conrad Brandt MBBS Fracs
Mr Brandt is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a Full Member of the Breast Section of the RACS. His current appointments include Melbourne University Clinical School , Barwon Health, Breast screen Barwon Region and Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute Melanoma Service in addition to his private practice. He operates regularly at Geelong Public Hospital , St John of God Geelong and Geelong Private.
Trained in Victoria , Mr Brandt attained his Fellowship in General Surgery in 2002. Following that he completed a post-fellowship year in breast and melanoma surgery at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute in East Melbourne . Working with leading surgeons, he trained in the surgical treatment of breast cancer and melanoma, including wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy and some reconstructive techniques. In 2004-2005 he then had the opportunity to work at one of the world's leading surgical oncology units treating breast cancer and melanoma patients – The Western General Hospital, Edinburgh. On returning to Australia , Mr Brandt has brought those skills with him to offer to the people of Geelong and surrounding regions.
As a Full Member of the Breast Section of the RACS, Mr Brandt is also involved in the ongoing audit of breast cancer and its treatment in Australia . He also maintains membership of other professional bodies such as Australian Society for Breast Disease, and he regularly attends General and Surgical Oncology ‘journal clubs' to discuss recent developments in general surgery and surgical oncology.
In addition to providing consulting and diagnostic services for breast cancer and melanoma, Mr Brandt has a special interest and extensive training in techniques a wide range of surgical treatment options. For women (and men) diagnosed with breast cancer Mr Brandt offers a range of surgical options from wide local excision of the tumour to mastectomy with some options for immediate breast reconstruction – that is the removal of the breast and ‘rebuilding' in the one surgery. These procedures are only offered where it is clinically indicated and after a full discussion of the available options, benefits and risks.
For patients with melanoma, Mr Brandt can conduct primary or wider excision as necessary and is able to offer sentinel lymph node biopsy. This procedure can provide important information about the progression of the disease and its prognosis. Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute in East Melbourne has been a leader in the use and development of sentinel node biopsy for melanoma and Mr Brandt continues to work in the melanoma service there.
Mr Brandt has patients enrolled in national and international treatment trials and patients may be offered access to these trials where appropriate. An extensive discussion of any trials always precedes any such involvement.
Working with the local medical community, Mr Brandt has been invited to present to a variety of groups on the topics of breast cancer and melanoma. In recent months he has spoken to groups of GPs, other specialists, breast care nurses and social workers etc.
As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Mr Brandt participates fully in the Continuing Professional Development Programme run under College auspices. Details of his certification are available on the RACS website or from practice staff.