'Aussies still want me': Controversial medical figure wants bold comeback
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Seniors rely on doctors' medical advice, especially when it comes to dealing with rare or delicate conditions.
Few names in the Australian medical field have made their mark—some with expertise, others with controversy.
After a period of being away following a high-profile disciplinary case, one controversial doctor is making headlines again, this time with a public plea for Australia.
Dr Charlie Teo was once hailed as a pioneering neurosurgeon, as he was willing to take on the most complex and risky brain tumours.
Dr Teo's career has been marked by both passionate support from grateful patients and sharp criticism from some in the medical establishment.
Dr Teo's troubles began after the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) investigated his conduct in two tragic cases at Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital back in 2018 and 2019.
Both patients in the case failed to wake up after surgery and later died.
The HCCC found that Dr Teo performed operations where the risks outweighed the potential benefit.
Crucially, Dr Teo did not obtain proper consent from the patients or their families.
In 2023, he was found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct.
Dr Teo was reprimanded and had strict conditions placed on his medical registration.
He is now required to obtain a letter of support from a Medical Council-approved neurosurgeon before performing any brain surgery in Australia.
This requirement effectively blocked him from operating in the country, as his peers refused to provide the necessary endorsement.
Despite the controversy, Dr Teo's reputation among many patients remained strong.
Since the HCCC ruling, he continued to perform surgeries in countries including China, India, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Brazil, Peru, and Nepal.
'Aussies still want me, I still want to help Aussies, but unfortunately, they are having to travel overseas,' Dr Teo shared in a radio interview.
He also expressed his desire to continue his practice in the country.
'It would be great for Australia. It's medical tourism; I get patients from all around the world coming to see me, they bring their families, and they spend a lot of money.'
Dr Charlie Teo's supporters argued that he offered hope to patients with terminal brain tumours.
Many families also credited him with extending or saving their loved ones' lives.
However, critics, including fellow neurosurgeons, stated that his approach could give patients and families false hope.
Watch Dr Charlie Teo's story in this video from 60 Minutes Australia:
Source: 60 Minutes Australia/YouTube
The medical community has also been divided regarding Dr Teo's case, as some have called for stricter regulations.
Meanwhile, other medical professionals defended his right to practice.
Dr Teo himself acknowledged that he was 'too optimistic' and has been 'criticised for giving contrary second opinions'.
However, he insisted that he has learned from past mistakes and has adopted new recommendations in his current practice.
The debate over Dr Teo's return is more than a news story—it's a matter of life and death.
His case also raised broader questions about patient choice, medical regulation, and the balance between innovation and safety in healthcare.
What do you think of Dr Charlie Teo's situation? Do you think he should be allowed to operate in Australia again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Few names in the Australian medical field have made their mark—some with expertise, others with controversy.
After a period of being away following a high-profile disciplinary case, one controversial doctor is making headlines again, this time with a public plea for Australia.
Dr Charlie Teo was once hailed as a pioneering neurosurgeon, as he was willing to take on the most complex and risky brain tumours.
Dr Teo's career has been marked by both passionate support from grateful patients and sharp criticism from some in the medical establishment.
Dr Teo's troubles began after the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) investigated his conduct in two tragic cases at Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital back in 2018 and 2019.
Both patients in the case failed to wake up after surgery and later died.
Dr Charlie Teo founded a non-profit organisation dedicated to brain cancer research. Image Credit: Charlie Teo Foundation
The HCCC found that Dr Teo performed operations where the risks outweighed the potential benefit.
Crucially, Dr Teo did not obtain proper consent from the patients or their families.
In 2023, he was found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct.
Dr Teo was reprimanded and had strict conditions placed on his medical registration.
He is now required to obtain a letter of support from a Medical Council-approved neurosurgeon before performing any brain surgery in Australia.
This requirement effectively blocked him from operating in the country, as his peers refused to provide the necessary endorsement.
Despite the controversy, Dr Teo's reputation among many patients remained strong.
Since the HCCC ruling, he continued to perform surgeries in countries including China, India, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Brazil, Peru, and Nepal.
'Aussies still want me, I still want to help Aussies, but unfortunately, they are having to travel overseas,' Dr Teo shared in a radio interview.
He also expressed his desire to continue his practice in the country.
'It would be great for Australia. It's medical tourism; I get patients from all around the world coming to see me, they bring their families, and they spend a lot of money.'
Dr Charlie Teo's supporters argued that he offered hope to patients with terminal brain tumours.
Many families also credited him with extending or saving their loved ones' lives.
However, critics, including fellow neurosurgeons, stated that his approach could give patients and families false hope.
Watch Dr Charlie Teo's story in this video from 60 Minutes Australia:
Source: 60 Minutes Australia/YouTube
The medical community has also been divided regarding Dr Teo's case, as some have called for stricter regulations.
Meanwhile, other medical professionals defended his right to practice.
Dr Teo himself acknowledged that he was 'too optimistic' and has been 'criticised for giving contrary second opinions'.
However, he insisted that he has learned from past mistakes and has adopted new recommendations in his current practice.
The debate over Dr Teo's return is more than a news story—it's a matter of life and death.
His case also raised broader questions about patient choice, medical regulation, and the balance between innovation and safety in healthcare.
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