Charles attended medical school at Aberdeen University where he was awarded a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) with distinctions in surgery, anatomy and physiology. His post graduate training was initially in general surgery, culminating with an invitation to become a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCS(Ed)).
Following this, Charles undertook advanced urological surgical training in NSW during which time he was awarded the Christopher Farrell prize and the George Schnitzler Award for best registrar of the year.
