Dr Charlie Teo speaks out after guilty finding
Renowned neurosurgeon, Dr Charlie Teo, is said to be contemplating an appeal after a medical standards committee found him guilty of "unsatisfactory professional conduct".
Dr. Teo has expressed concerns that this decision could potentially jeopardise the lives of numerous Australians.
The Medical Professional Standards Committee recently concluded its inquiry into two serious complaints regarding Dr. Teo's conduct at Sydney's Prince of Wales Private Hospital between 2018 and 2019.
The committee's ruling stated that Dr. Teo demonstrated a lack of "insight, empathy, and judgment." As a result, restrictions have been placed on his registration, preventing him from performing brain surgeries without a written statement from an approved neurosurgeon.
Dr. Teo strongly denies the allegations of unprofessional conduct and is considering appealing the committee's decision, as reported by Seven News.
While acknowledging the guilty verdict, he stated in an interview with Seven's Spotlight, "In terms of the complaints, if they found me guilty then I have to take that on the chin."
He also expressed his satisfaction that the committee refrained from imposing further conditions. However, he is concerned about the possibility of facing difficulties finding a hospital in Australia that would allow him to continue performing surgeries.
During the Spotlight interview, presenter Michael Usher emphasised that Dr. Teo genuinely cares for his patients, who might now have to travel overseas to seek his services. Usher quoted Dr. Teo, saying, "In his words - it sounds very strong but he's standing by them - he believes that thousands of Australians will die because of this decision against him."
The disciplinary hearing earlier this year revolved around two female patients who experienced severe brain injuries after undergoing surgeries performed by Dr. Teo in 2018 and 2019. In its ruling, the committee found that Dr. Teo had proceeded with surgeries where the risks outweighed the potential benefits, failing to obtain informed consent from both patients. Furthermore, he charged an inappropriate fee of $35,000 to one of the women and used inappropriate language while speaking to her daughter.
The committee expressed concerns about Dr. Teo's lack of reflection in his judgment and his failure to provide statistical data or peer support to justify his decisions. Although Dr. Teo expressed sorrow and took responsibility for the unfavourable outcomes of the surgeries, he did not demonstrate remorse for offering surgery to the patients. This lack of insight troubled the committee.
Consequently, the committee reprimanded Dr. Teo and imposed restrictions on his practicing certificate. To perform recurrent malignant intracranial tumour and brain stem tumour surgical procedures, he must now obtain a written statement from a Medical Council-approved neurosurgeon.
Dr. Teo retains the option to appeal the committee's decision to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Image: Instagram