Dr. Shaun Segal
Dr. Shaun Segal (born 22 February 1974) is a South African-born Australian skin cancer surgeon, medical educator, and healthcare entrepreneur. With nearly two decades of clinical experience, he is widely recognized for his expertise in the surgical management of skin cancers and his dedication to public education on skin cancer prevention and early detection. He is currently the Principal Skin Surgeon at Skin Cancer Only and a Fellow of the Australian College of Cutaneous Oncology (FACCO).
Early Life and Education
Dr. Shaun Segal was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 22 February 1974. He attended King David School, Linksfield, for both his primary and secondary education, where he graduated with distinction. His academic excellence and strong interest in medical sciences led him to pursue medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, one of Africa’s leading medical institutions. In 1997, he graduated with an MBBCh (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree, laying the foundation for his future career in surgery and general practice.
Medical Training and Career Development
In January 2000, Dr. Segal moved to London, England, to expand his professional qualifications and gain exposure to international medical practice. During this time, he achieved the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS), which provided him with advanced surgical training and refined his interest in procedural dermatology and skin surgery.
He later completed his Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) and earned his Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) in 2005 after relocating to Australia. Continuing his pursuit of excellence in skin cancer medicine, Dr. Segal became a Fellow of the Australian College of Cutaneous Oncology (FACCO) in 2018, achieving specialist recognition in cutaneous oncology and advanced surgical techniques.
Professional Practice and Clinical Expertise
Dr. Shaun Segal has dedicated over 18 years to the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of skin cancers. Throughout his career, he has treated thousands of patients with various forms of skin malignancies, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
He currently serves as the Principal Skin Surgeon at Skin Cancer Only, where he leads a multidisciplinary team devoted exclusively to the prevention, early detection, and surgical management of skin cancers. His patient-centred approach, emphasis on education, and meticulous surgical precision have established him as a trusted name in the field of skin cancer surgery in Australia.
Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Segal is the co-founder of Southern Sun Skin Cancer Clinics and Southern Sun Pathology in New South Wales. These institutions were created to enhance access to high-quality, specialized skin cancer care and pathology services, focusing on early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
His leadership and contributions to the field have been recognized by the Australian College of Cutaneous Oncology, which awarded him the Best Clinical Fellow Award (2018) for outstanding clinical performance and dedication to advancing skin cancer medicine.
Education, Mentorship, and Public Engagement
Dr. Segal is also a respected educator and mentor in the field of skin cancer surgery. He serves as a surgical tutor for professional skin cancer training courses across Australia, helping to train the next generation of clinicians in procedural dermatology and skin cancer management.
He frequently delivers community education sessions and public lectures to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. His outreach includes presentations at Lions Clubs, Bethany Aged Care facilities, and retirement living communities, where he advocates for sun protection, regular skin checks, and the importance of early medical intervention.
Dr. Segal collaborates with numerous healthcare organizations, including Australian Skin Cancer Clinics, Baby Steps Subiaco Health Centre, Ballajura Medical Centre, and Applecross Village Medical Centre, where he serves as a skin cancer lead, accepting referrals and managing complex cases.
Publications and Professional Recognition
In addition to his clinical and educational work, Dr. Segal has authored a book detailing his surgical techniques and procedural methods in the management of skin cancer. The publication has been widely used by practitioners for its practical insights and clarity in describing surgical approaches to difficult anatomical sites.
His peers regard him as a meticulous and compassionate surgeon, known for combining technical precision with a strong focus on patient welfare and preventive education.
Vision and Philosophy
Dr. Shaun Segal’s professional vision centres on increasing awareness and promoting early detection of skin cancers, with a particular focus on the life-saving early treatment of melanoma. He emphasizes that skin cancer medicine is not only about surgical skill but also about education, prevention, and patient empowerment.
His advice to aspiring clinicians is to always be patient-centred, prioritize patient education, and continuously refine their surgical competence—especially when dealing with complex or cosmetically sensitive areas affected by skin cancer.
For Dr. Segal, success in medicine comes from balancing empathy with expertise and striving to make a measurable difference in community health.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of his professional commitments, Dr. Segal leads an active and well-rounded lifestyle. He enjoys pickleball, gym workouts, and running, maintaining physical fitness as an extension of his holistic approach to health. Additionally, he is a proud member of a male choir, reflecting his appreciation for music, harmony, and teamwork.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Segal acknowledges that one of his greatest challenges was finding his niche as a skin cancer–dedicated surgeon. Through perseverance and passion, he transformed this challenge into a calling that now defines his professional identity.