St Vincents Private Hospitals

Biography

Charles Gallagher is a Melbourne-born and educated orthopaedic surgeon with international fellowship training in advanced surgery of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. With comprehensive surgical experience and a patient-centred approach, he works to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve upper limb function.

Charles graduated with Honours in Medicine from the University of Notre Dame, Western Australia, before returning to Victoria to complete specialist orthopaedic training through the Australian Orthopaedic Association, subsequently becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

To further refine his skills, he spent two and a half years undertaking subspecialist training in hand, elbow, and shoulder surgery. He began with six months at the Victorian Hand Surgery Associates before travelling overseas for two prestigious international fellowships. The first was a year at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he focused on upper limb trauma, joint replacement, and arthroscopic surgery. He then completed a further year at the Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre in London, Ontario, Canada, gaining additional subspecialty training in hand and upper limb surgery.

His surgical interests include minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, trauma management, and joint replacement surgery. His current research focuses on innovations in shoulder arthroplasty, advanced fracture fixation, and the treatment of complex hand and wrist conditions.

He holds public appointments at Dandenong and Box Hill Hospitals, where he plays an active role in surgical education and research, mentoring the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons.

Recognised for his clear communication, empathetic manner, and evidence-based care, Charles is committed to helping patients return to the activities that matter most — from elite sport and demanding work roles to everyday routines.