Dr Chris Topovsek
Skin Cancer Doctor
Dr Chris Topovsek is an experienced family doctor with a special interest in skin cancer medicine. Originally beginning his career in the Australian Army, he graduated from the Officer Cadet School, Portsea, in 1984. His military career took him across Australia, Malaysia, and Germany before a chance encounter while rock climbing inspired him to pursue medicine.
Dr Chris left the Army in 1995 to study medicine. During his studies he re-joined the Army and completed his Bachelor of Medicine from Newcastle University. His junior doctor training took place at the Mater and John Hunter Hospitals in Newcastle, and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital/Royal Brisbane Children’s Hospital. In 2003, Dr Chris was deployed to the Solomon Islands as part of Operation ANODE, providing critical medical support in both primary care, resuscitation, field operations and as a practising part-time GP registrar.
In 2005, Chris moved to the Sunshine Coast and completed his Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. His passion for skin cancer medicine led him to establish and lead Solar Health, a full-scope skin cancer clinic, from 2008 to 2016. During this time he completed a Master of Medicine degree in Skin Cancer.
Re-engaging with the military in 2015, Chris transferred as a medical officer to the Royal Australian Navy Reserves, serving in multiple operations, including border protection, the Middle East, and COVID-19 response efforts. In 2023, he was appointed Senior Medical Officer on HMAS Canberra, supporting humanitarian and defence operations before transitioning back to civilian practice in Noosa.
Dr Topovsek has re-established himself as a full scope skin cancer medicine practitioner offering advanced surgical skills.
He is an educator and an examiner for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at James Cook University.
Outside of medicine, Chris enjoys community service, spending time with his family, boating, fly fishing, surfing, playing guitar, and driving cars.