Rachel studied Medicine at The University of Melbourne, completing her MBBS degree in 2006 and also has a 1^st class honours in Chemistry, BSc(hons) from Monash University.   Her Orthopaedic training was completed passing the AOA/RACS Fellowship exam in 2018 & becoming a consultant in 2019.

After initial 12 months Consultant position at Austin Hospital honing general trauma & elective upper limb skills, she commenced the first of her fellowships locally with The Melbourne Orthopaedic Group (MOG) in 2020, completing 6 months advanced training in upper limb surgery. Her second fellowship was in the United Kingdom with 18 months spent dedicated to hand surgery & peripheral nerve conditions at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEHB) and Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) in Birmingham.  Rachel also spent 12 months as an Honorary fellow at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH).

In addition, Rachel has attended many specialist courses to advance her knowledge in training in sub-specialty areas such as microsurgery, arthroscopy, complex fracture management and peripheral nerve surgery.  She currently holds a public appointment with Eastern Health at Box Hill & Maroondah Hospitals.

Our hands are one of the major ways we interact with the world around us from earliest infancy to senior adulthood.  We explore our surroundings, engage with family, accomplish our work, enjoy our social life and participate in sports & hobbies.  Dr Blackshaw realises that when you have an injury, it is incredibly important to restore function & minimise pain.  She will provide education & insight to your condition and give realistic expectations of how to manage your condition that is specific to your needs & time of life whether surgical treatment is required or not.