“Brilliant,adored,flawed…” that was the headline that launched one of 2019’s most fascinating investigations,an exposé by theHerald’s Kate McClymont who uncovered extraordinary allegations about controversial celebrity neurosurgeon Charlie Teo.
There are few who haven’t heard about Teo,revered for his technical skill in the operating theatre,his ability to deliver hope and - without doubt - save lives.
But as Kate discovered during her investigation,questions had been raised about his judgment,narcissistic behaviour,the financial requirements he imposed on cash-strapped patients,and inappropriate conduct in the operating theatre - andthe concerns were getting louder.
After the article,Dr Teo threatened defamation action publicly and privately. But Kate does not let go of investigations easily and shecontinued to report on growing criticism of the famed surgeon.
Then last Thursday,Dr Teo appeared before a special hearing of the NSW Medical Council.As Kate explained,hearings before the “immediate action panel” are convened when allegations against a practitioner are of such seriousness that the health and safety of the public might be at risk. The council would not reveal any details regarding the complaint against Dr Teo,now aged 63.
The following day,the surgeonsought to pre-empt the findings of the hearing. He put out a statement from “Professor Dr Charles Teo”,which indicated he had “accepted the Medical Council’s direction to consult with another neurosurgeon on two rare types of surgery and will also have retrospective discussions with a colleague to review outcomes”.
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By late last Friday,there had been no formal outcome and the Medical Council said it had “nothing further to add at this time”.
That changed within days and by Tuesday of this week,Dr Teo had been formally banned from performing certain operations until he had obtained written approval from a fellow neurosurgeon,among other restrictions on his practicing licence.
As it stands,Dr Teo is prevented from performing certain surgeries unless he has written approval from an independent neurosurgeon,one who had been approved by the Medical Council. He or she must determine whether Dr Teo has explained to the patient “all material risks” and has obtained “informed financial consent”. Dr Teo also has to show that there is a plan for managing interstate patients.