Dr. Melissa Smith

Dr. Melissa Smith is a specialist anaesthetist based in Newcastle. She completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy and gained experience across community and hospital pharmacy, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry, working in regulatory affairs and medication safety. She later undertook postgraduate medical training at The University of Sydney, where she was awarded a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery.

Dr. Smith completed her prevocational and introductory anaesthesia training at Orange Hospital, followed by specialist training within the Hunter New England network, primarily at John Hunter Hospital, with additional experience in Tamworth. She subsequently undertook a fellowship in Simulation and Education.

She currently works as a Staff Specialist Anaesthetist at John Hunter and Maitland Hospitals and in private practice. Dr. Smith has broad interests across all areas of anaesthesia, with a particular focus on medical education. She is involved with the Joint Medical Program, contributing to the delivery of critical care teaching and OSCE examinations, and continues to facilitate courses at the Hunter New England Simulation Centre.

Prior to her university studies, Dr. Smith played professional basketball, including the WNBL and Australian junior representative teams. She continues to play in the Waratah Women’s State League for the Newcastle Falcons. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, including her two children, two dogs and a bearded dragon.