Paul Bennett graduated from the University of Queensland in 1972 with an MB BS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), and then began his training to be a surgeon. He finished his training in 1982 and obtained membership in the FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons). Training occurred in Australia, New Zealand and England.

Paul Bennett has been a general surgeon on the Gold Coast since 1984, and a Visiting Medical Officer at the Gold Coast Hospital since 1985. His involvement with the Gold Coast Hospital allows him to be part of the training process of future surgeons.