Experience, Training and Awards
Training
My training included an upper limb and sports surgery fellowship with the Canberra Orthopaedic Group; a one year hand and wrist fellowship at the Birmingham Hand Centre, which is one of the largest hand centers in Europe; and a one year Shoulder and Upper Limb Fellowship at The James Cook University Hospital Middlesbrough under Professor Rangan.
As well as hand fellowships, I have obtained the European Diploma in Hand Surgery. One of the only few surgeons in Australia to have done so.
I work privately in Murdoch, Subiaco, Mandurah and Claremont. I also have public clinics in Mandurah and at Fremantle Hospital.
Teaching and Research
I teach and examine at the University of Notre Dame where I am an adjunct Associate Professor lecturer, as well as teaching the Western Australian Orthopaedic trainees. I have previously taught at Oxford University and I also currently examine for the Australian Medical Council.
I have presented papers on hand and upper limb surgery at Australian and overseas conferences and have published many surgical papers.
I have been heavily involved in teaching medical students since 1995. I run a mock hand exam programme for orthopaedic and plastic trainees. I also run a junior doctor hand surgeon program at Fremantle Hospital, Western Australia.
Current Research Projects
- Carpal tunnel surgery and pillar pain
- Wrist fusion
- Mini invasive interphalangeal joint fusion of the hand
- Hamate fractures
Awards
- Best presentation award Australian Capital Territory AOA meeting – 2011
- Wihelm – Roux- Preis Award for best presentation German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery Berlin October – 2008
- Award for best presentation Association of Surgeons in Training, May 2006, London, United Kingdom.
Proudly a member of:
Our Practice
Our main office is are located at SJOG Murdoch at the Murdoch Orthopaedic Clinic. We have highly facilitated rooms with ample on-site parking.
Our office is open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am – 5.00pm and Friday from 8.30am – 4.00pm (closed on public holidays). Our experienced staff members are here to assist and guide you.
Meet our Team
Our highly skilled staff have extensive knowledge of medical procedures and policies.
Our experienced and dedicated team provides outstanding patient care and outcomes, both administratively and medically.
A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith
A/Prof Lawson-Smith is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon and consultant who specialises in upper limb hand surgery. He has a keen interest in all aspects of upper limb surgery.
Sharren McInnes || Practice Manager and Personal Assistant
Sharren has been working within the medical administration since 1998, in different fields and administrative roles, including practice management. She has extensive knowledge and in-depth understanding of medical administration. Sharren has recently completed nursing studies in 2025, further expanding her medical knowledge and increasing her skill-set. Sharren is passionate about delivering the best patient care experience with A/Prof Lawson-Smith.
Ashleigh Walpole || Full Time Medical Secretary
Ashleigh has been working in the medical administration industry for about 10 years and in this duration, she has been working with A/Prof Lawson-Smith for over a year. Ashleigh started her administrative journey working for GP’s, then moved onto the specialty of neurology and spinal and has now progressed onto the field of hand and upper limb orthopaedics. Ashleigh enjoys her role immensely and strives for great administrative outcomes for all patients. Ashleigh has an extensive expertise of the private sector and understands the importance of a patient journey and great patient outcomes. Ashleigh will be going on maternity leave in late August 2025 and returning in August 2026.
Raechelle Cherry || Practice Nurse
Raechelle has been nursing for over 25 years and within the last 18 years, she has been working on an orthopaedic ward in the private healthcare sector as a Clinical Nurse. Raechelle is a member of the Orthopaedic Nurses Association (ONAWA) and regularly attends seminars and conferences to further her already expansive orthopaedic knowledge.
Sonya Armstrong || Full Time Medical Secretary
Sonya has been working alongside A/Prof Lawson-Smith for many years at the Peel Health Campus and in 2025, joined our wonderful team located at the SJOG Murdoch offices. Sonya brings many years of medical administration experience to our practice, as well as her hospital and secretarial knowledge. We have been delighted to have Sonya on board our amazing team!
Jennifer Myburgh || Relief Medical Secretary
Jen has 10 years’ experience in medical administration, along with a background in primary school teaching and hotel management. She has worked in occupational health and psychiatry, and is now enjoying learning and growing in orthopaedic surgery administration. Jen is dedicated to making each patient’s experience positive and welcoming. Outside of work, she loves reading and spending time outdoors with her golden retriever.
Make an appointment
Call 08 6332 6325 or contact us to book an appointment.
You’ll need a referral from your GP.
Call 08 6332 6325