Dr. April L. Speed is a Chicago native who was raised in the Adamsville community of Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated with honors from both Charles Lincoln Harper High School in Atlanta and Norfolk State University in Norfolk Virginia. After obtaining her Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology, she could not resist the desire to return to Atlanta to pursue the dream she'd had since age ten, that of becoming a doctor. This dream was realized at Morehouse School of Medicine where she proudly obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree. After her matriculation, she remained at Morehouse to complete a general surgery residency.

Doctor Speed completed both, her Internship and General surgery residency at Grady Memorial Hospital, one of the busiest Level I trauma centers in the Southeast. While there, she served as Chief Resident and was twice awarded the "Resident of the Year". Upon completion of an intensive General Surgery residency she went on to receive the prestigious Susan G. Komen-sponsored Breast Fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas. This cancer center is ranked #1 by US News and World Report. During this coveted fellowship Dr. Speed received dual training. Here, she was exposed to numerous advanced breast surgical oncology techniques such as oncoplastics (nipple and skin-sparing mastectomies) , cutting-edge cancer research and publication opportunities. This Fellowship promoted comprehensive breast cancer treatment plans using a multidisciplinary model. This model is a patient-centered approach to breast cancer management involving integrating primary care, medical oncology, radiation oncology, plastic surgery and pathology expertise to formulate the best possible plan for each unique patient. One patient, One place, One plan! While at MD Anderson, Dr. Speed further developed proficiency in promoting breast cancer awareness through community outreach, advocacy, prevention and education through the Susan G. Komen component of her Fellowship. Dr. Speed believes in providing breast care with Dignity and Detail.

Dr. Speed is one of the newest additions to the staff at Dekalb Medical, Hillandale. As a breast expert, she provides 100% breast services to women, men and adolescents exclusively at the Hillandale location. Dr. Speed is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology( ASCO) .  She was recently recognized by her peers and was awarded the ASCO National Diversity In Oncology Award in 2009. She's a highly sought-after speaker, author, consultant and lecturer on breast cancer and breast health.