‘I’ve been vilified, persecuted, demonised’: Divisive neurosurgeon Charlie Teo speaks out

[@sallyshore-dz8rn]

If a loved one is dying and one doctor is willing to try and help/save them when others are not, that in itself is a service to humanity. Hope..... in itself... is a service.

[@kimfox8622]

DR TEO looked at my grandaughter's brain scans and gave us his honest second opinion without charging us a cent. He advised us that we were in good hands with the surgeon we were using. We are forever grateful for the compassion that he extended to us. Thank you Dr Teo.

[@clickybick3134]

Dr Teo saved my mums life when he was working in the public system. Thank you Dr Teo 🙏 you gave us many more years with her and I'm so grateful.

[@songsters1210]

Im an RN.. in our unit, we call this politics. I personnally believed that in the medical profession, we should all be pushing boundaries in order to improve and create new breakthroughs in patient care.

[@johnva7]

You fail to see that a lot of these surgeries carry an inherent risk that is just too high. If it was just the risk maybe it would be tolerable. However, most of these surgeries come accompanied of astronomical fees that can potentially cripple the patients and their families financially. All for a slim chance of prolonging life, not even curing the underlying disease.

[@snoopertrooper4468]

@@johnva7 And? Its not the choice of the surgeon/hospital to decide the operation, its the patients/families choice who are willing to shell out cash in order to prolong the life of their loved ones

[@chuanmeixu1246]

@@johnva7 But if he informed the patients of these risks, it's up to the patients to weigh up the risk and benefit and make up their mind whether it's worthwhile to go ahead. There have been numerous patients whose life got extended and they are thankful.

[@chuanmeixu1246]

@@sarcoline455 But for many of his patients who had no other options other than waiting to die, Teo's surgery did extend/save their life and they are happy with that. Sometimes not doing anying can do harm too.

[@lipingfang1338]

＆

[@mintysweety4878]

I’m a theatre nurse and I work alongside doctors everyday. I also worked with Charlie before. Charlie is right. It’s all about politics. Patients are merely a number to the majority of the doctors nowadays. They do appear to put their career, financial considerations before the patients’ best interest. Us the general public is the biggest losers of this. We can’t get the best treatment, don’t have the opportunity to make an informed decision because we are not offered all the options. The options are pre-selected for you and those pre-selected options are often low risk with high financial return for the service providers. It’s really sad to see this. This culture prevents improvement and breakthroughs in medicine !

[@chuanmeixu1246]

Exactly. This sends the message to doctors to "play safe", even if it means patients miss the opportunities to be effectively treated. You can't be seen as being wrong when you do nothing. Nobody would accuse a doctor of murder or even manslaughter if their terminally ill cancer patient dies after receiving no treatment.

[@willembissett7223]

💯 agreed

[@TheDonz]

He operated on my best mate who was supposedly “inoperable”, saved his life and cured him. The guy is an Australian legend and should be held to the highest regard. The media will never change my mind

[@00Julian00]

Nice

[@wiehanlim3693]

the best neuro surgeon who try to get the best result. the only thing he done'wrong' was he charged expensive. but the best always expensive, anything.

[@wiehanlim3693]

they should make a movie of this

[@GiltronTheOne]

@@wiehanlim3693 All surgeries are expensive and as soon as you say hospital well the cash just adds up.

[@fallowsword]

People in the industry know he has a God-complex, doesn't help your attitude when you're saving lives.

[@ozzyolof9209]

What's being done to this man is criminal.

[@marinipratiwi257]

Contributed by Today show and current affairs. Made me hate that lady presenter.

[@krissolimmo]

I’m a surgeon who undertakes some pretty high risk reconstructive procedures. I understand where Teo is coming from. There are two sides to the story here and I think Teo has explained most of it pretty well. Neurosurgery is one of the most demanding specialties and with that comes high emotions, stress, and burnout. I believe him when he says that he tells all patients that nothing is 100%. One would be gravely mistaken to say this to patients as even the simplest procedure can go wrong. I have had all sorts of complications over the years which have been unexpected in an operating theatre. Every now and then after hundreds or thousands of operations, one sometimes can come across as flippant, disregarding the patients wishes. We have all been there as surgeons and need to remind ourselves of the realities. It is unfortunate we all go through these stages but we are human first, surgeon second. For most of us, it it not intentional. Some patients can become highly strung and needy and this is when miscommunication occurs probably on both sides. There have been multiple times I have spent managing the patients emotional expectations rather than the actual risks of the procedure and it all gets lost in translation. I can’t imagine dealing with these life and death cases all day long. It only takes one or two per day to make your life a misery and I’m imagining this mental strain makes him on occasions put his foot down with certain personalities. Im not defending him in entirety but just telling the perspective of someone who has been in a consult room with just yourself and the patient. Also, patients seek Charlie out themselves. Australia has plenty of internet review sites which are freely available. It is a free market and patients can make an informed choice. As noted on 60 minutes, neurosurgery can be done in public should patients wish. As you see there are 2 factions on this discussion board. We are free to choose.

[@ajlavanetwork5755]

Perfectly said…. I believe him too, such open transparency of what facts on this dynamic. A Surgeon whom undertakes the wrong surgery on a patient > Thereafter calculated actions to cover it’s entirety = Deliberate 2nd hard they choose to make by non disclosure’s those are the Dr’s other Dr’s should be going after reporting. Instead these cases alleged to go under the carpet by almost all involved, including the Drs whom uncover other surgeons cover up. Everyone is too afraid of the back lash. However this case is of concern. Dr Teo’s if fact which i am inclined to believe was destroyed. The two side of the conversation is abhorrent in comparison. Perhaps it will give lessons to be learned and Drs will report cover ups into the future. Open disclosure matters

[@anthonyalles1833]

Patients in crisis are NOT free to make an informed choice - that's an absurd statement. Until and unless doctors and hospitals are fully transparent with their success and failure statistics, no one, least of all lay people, are in any position to judge the competence of any medical professional. As an engineer, I fully understand that most people don't understand risk/return tradeoffs, which is why doctors need to be particularly careful and objective in how they communicate with patients, because the information asymmetry is truly insurmountable. For Dr Teo to tell desperate parents that he can do what no other doctor can do and save their dying child, but if and only if, they can produce a huge amount of cash within 24 hours, is criminally irresponsible and brings the entire medical profession into disrepute.

[@krissolimmo]

@@anthonyalles1833 If a patient is in crisis, then an informed choice with any surgeon is insurmountable. Furthermore, patients leave the office and have the time to make the decision, seek second opinions should they wish and even wen pull out of a procedure because any surgery in the private sector is ultimately elective. It is well and good to provide the statistics however, the reality with rare diseases is that there are no statistics. For the sub-specialist, treatment planning can be based on a few case reports. Many procedures of this nature will based on experience, facilities available and surgeon training. Surgeon differ in the skill level, quite markedly may I add. To my knowledge, Teo performs a lot of keyhole surgery. I am also a keyhole specialist. Not a lot of surgeons are capable of operative keyhole surgery. So, this is an area where he probably is one of the only people that can do this. As he said, like all of us, he is not perfect. It is not a perfect world either. Agree about the 24 hour money business.

[@kitty2527]

@@anthonyalles1833 I totally agree, I have been a per-operative nurse for 14 years and I have seen talented surgeons like him who operate like speed train and is knife triggered happy, when you look through all their doctors notes, it only one or 2 lines, they just document for the sake of just documenting with very little explaination on risks and bad outcomes, normally such patients are not well educated. desperate and poor and are not aware that Dr Teo is a surgeon more keen on pushing the boundaries to prove his hypothesis of in-between tumours that will be operateable - again what the quality of life - no one knows and if patient are aware and willing to contribute to mankind and be his lab rat - that fine especailly if it is well documented during family conference but it not that is really a sin and his reason - they are going to be bed ridden or going to die anyway does not render him the right to perform such surgery. Medical and Pharmo advancement have a dark history and a dark side. That why legal and ethical practise is important and it always team work cos no man is an island especially in mediacal field.

[@patriciasporer3045]

Beautifully said. Thank you.

[@apistosig4173]

the world is in need of individuals such as Charlie - We Need Him and those Like Him

[@bangkokstallion]

A dear friend was a patient of Dr Teo. Had a brain tumour. Specialists and Surgeons were going to perform a full open skull operation. Risk through the roof. Then he learned of Dr Teo and key hole surgery. 100k seemed like alot of money and was raised in a matter of months. Op was performed with 100% success and super quick recovery. Not to mention having the surgery "your" way. Charlie plays your choice of music and has full conversations with you while preforming the surgery. As your fully awake during brain surgery. This was 10 years ago. He is happy and healthy today

[@raia9]

$10,000 a year for his life worth every cent, every year from now on is free.

[@Marksd7804]

As one of his patients, it saddens me greatly to see people trying to, and succeeding, to destroy Dr Teo. The guy is so humble and personable. The first time I met him he came in in jeans and an AC/DC T-shirt. I greeted him as Dr Teo, he replied ‘I’m not Dr Teo, I’m just Charlie, pleased to meet you’. He may be a maverick, but that’s why he’s good. Usual story from Australia….tall poppy syndrome.

[@luia3911]

Thankyou for sharing this, it is such a shame the media is trying to destroy him, you are so right.. definitely the tall poppy Syndrome!!

[@ymatT601]

Humble hey?!

[@challenger516]

@@ymatT601 You met him before? NOT lol

[@snowps1]

How much did he charge you? $40,000? $50,000? Did you have to wire it to him in 24 hours or else?

[@Marksd7804]

@@snowps1 Yes it was significant; definitely didn’t have to pay within 24hr. He operates in the private system, and it’s the way it is in terms of costs. The hospital will take the bulk of it, but people also need to remember the decades of training & study that goes in to being in that position. Of course it’s expensive. He’s not just an average GP dealing with a sniffle. Having lived in the States for years, people like him are lauded. But nooo not in Australia. Tear someone down at any cost.

[@homebuddha]

I witnessed pure genuineness from Dr Charlie Teo. I hold absolute faith in his reputation being fully restored. Nothing currently said against him will convince me. Truth always prevails. He has my endless support and positive energy.

[@matildaalice1219]

As a patient with a rare condition that surgeons in Australia arnt confident enough to perform I appreciate a surgeon that will go outside the box and takes risks to help a patients quality of life we need people who are willing to take risks to save people not sit on the safe side and watch them die, I believe he is honestly a good person and is not in this for the money.

[@joaodocirco]

just repeat a lie many times so it will become a truth to you, this doctor gave false hope to many familys, took their money and has never used a public hospital thats because he loves money and fame what a joke of a person

[@chuanmeixu1246]

@@joaodocirco False. He did operate in public hospitals at least at some point of time. Your choice of word "never" shows you don't care enough about facts and evidences. The claim that "this doctor gave false hope to many familys" is an opinion, not a fact supported by solid evidence. Do you have proof he didn't properly inform families of the risks involved?

[@chrissyjones-major1557]

You’re amazing Charlie Teo. So full of love, skill, empathy, compassion and wisdom. Go great and keep believing.

[@albertosanvito7300]

He Safe my niece life !!!!!! He do what other neurosurgeon don’t want to do. Is a very good man, every patient know the risk!!!!!!

[@eddyng6067]

Some media were willing telling bad news rather than good news. Every operation has its risk . Dr Teo is a gem world wide, but sadly it turns out to be an ordinary stone in Australia.

[@milburn38]

Seen it before! As soon as you go against the mainstream, you’re branded a villain! He’s a good man!

[@4d3ff2]

I'm a patient of Charlie's and i was a win win. - He's the only one actually who gave me facts about what was going on. I'm sorry but other doctors are not like him; they should be. This is a result of medical institutions that is gearing up towards this man; not his practices. If he was after money ... why isnt he a plastic surgeon? Doctors are highly intelligent and should be constantly challenging the status quo. This just proves there are alot of doctors , surgeons out their through there ego's are of highly questionable character. Good job Australia!

[@hansnotsolo]

Respectfully, as a doctor, private neurosurgeons make a lot more than private plastic surgeons and also are lauded far more. I'm talking $100k a day even. Teo has a much larger net worth than any plastic surgeon I know.

[@michaeljordan4358]

Respectfully am not a doctor and stop whinging if you are one , People gets $1 a day w families to feed and yet they don’t complain. You should be using your skills to help the people who are in need , even without a doctorate phd people can still help even when they are broke .

[@mariajordanova5533]

I was watching his speech at conference where he said"patient will die anyway so why not try" better say- why not have more money in he bank

[@myfriendisaac]

I see passion & integrity 🤷🏾‍♂️💯 Wishing him continued success!!!

[@cromerbeach]

And big fat cheques , oh sorry he only takes cash right

[@myfriendisaac]

@@cromerbeach as he should! Why work for free 💵💰💳🤷🏾‍♂️

[@cromerbeach]

@@myfriendisaacyou mean where he does surgery on extremely emotionally distraught people knowing at the end they or their loved ones are going to die only to suffer ten times more after his pointless surgery . At the same time he’s giving false hope all the way ,it’s disgusting . You mean like that right .

[@myfriendisaac]

@@cromerbeach Yeah, sure 😂

[@younghee7411]

We need a confident brain surgeon like him. Brain surgery has got the most risky outcomes that is why people still die after surgery. Dr Teo is extremely vulnerable because he is courageous enough to touch what other doctors don't want to deal with. He could be easily money driven doctor and have a comfortable life. Leave him alone.. l wholeheartedly admire his passion and courage.

[@francescaleaton4973]

Let’s back this amazing surgeon - he has our patients best interests at heart. ❤

[@emmajane1673]

You are so genuine Dr Teo, stay strong, the world need more of you. I like someone like you to take on 60 minutes because they are bias, tunnel vision and can destroy good people like you. God bless!

[@PatisauR]

Teo probably has countless wins, saved numerous lives. You can tell he is genuine here in this interview since he is tearing up. Patients and their guardians make the decision to go for these operations, so if the outcome is lose lose for them it was their choice because they knew the risks.

[@animefan7424]

Did they? Did they really? Because Teo has cases where he was not truthful about the risks, and the patients, trusting him and using him as a second opinion went ahead and suffered greatly.

[@sherlee123]

​@@animefan7424what was their alternative

[@chuanmeixu1246]

@@animefan7424 That was disputed though - it's a he said they said situation. I wouldn't be surprised that patients' family forgot about the risks Teo explained to them, and under the grief and emotion they wrongly accuse Teo of failing to inform them the risks. Also Teo has done so many surgeries, if he has a habit of not being truthful about the risks we would probably be hearing a lot more complaints than a handful of cases.

[@solirahi3535]

I have so much respect for him now, it's very unfair to suspend his licence. Australia needs surgeons like him.

[@christabidgood9880]

Wow what a story. Charlie please never give up on yourself. The vilification the persecution, being demonised is nothing new in culture and society, however never give up believing in your self and what you do. Your honesty, your heartfelt dedication to your patients is a rare, rare commodity that is a gift, your gift. Human nature can be so cruel however it does not need to reflect or make you "that person"". We live in a system in Australia which disqualifies and takes away hope trust and faith at the best of times and you give it back to suffering families who love their sick family member. I made a decision with my husband on three major brain surgeries on aneurysms and we didn't once consider the surgeon or question his professionalism or expertise, we made it based on the marriage and the love we wanted to keep alive. 25 years later my husband lives a very sober loving caring life. Would he have died? We can't answer that, he lived. We also made that decision against all odds and were prepared for the no guarantees. 💖💝💖 How can anyone not be grateful and appreciate the leap in faith which others call "risk"" that you especially take for the love of humanity and your patient. Australia needs doctors/surgeons like yourself. People take highly demeaning hostile actions against the good who live by the truth and call it the other side of the story. Why does Australia react with so much animosity, small narrow mindedness and then lose an amazing surgeon like you. Australia please lets learn from Charlie rather than condemn him as the great man he is. Thank you Charlie for all that you are and all that you do.Surely there are some surgeons out there with courage and conviction prepared to step up and learn some of Charlie's techniques, create a team with new life saving techniques rather than buckle down to "the system"

[@karinabrampt1556]

It is as described. One would think that having this gifted Doctor on any Neurosurgical team would be a positive for any Hospital. Why does this happen to people who have been gifted to help people who otherwise would not have a chance, howbeit a slim chance of survival and life. Why must there always be the jealousy, back stabbing and the plots to take someone down, to destroy an individual. How "sick" is this power play amongst professional medical persons, just because one man can have the foresight to solve a problem. To think out of the box and to succeed when others don't want to "rock the boat". It begs the question then, why hospital administrators allow such noxious behaviour.

[@impalethenazarene]

Charlie is a dead set Australian hero, he would never claim that, he would rather say he’s just doing his job (that all others would not). The way he has been witch-hunted is a disgrace. It all comes down to holding on to hope, when other surgeon’s dismiss cases as ‘inoperable’, Charlie offers time & hope…think about it, who knows when the next cure/better procedure will come along? It’s about time & hope…

[@maryjones5057]

The world needs a lot more Dr Charlie’s and is beyond sad that in his own country his skills and expertise and not valued 😢

[@anrenois3991]

His suspension has nothing to do with patients and their best interest. Charlie is right, this is entirely about him giving contrary second opinions and having successful outcomes to boot. Unfortunately, the established ‘old boys’ club’ is the prevailing culture amongst doctors and especially surgeons…fact is they do not put the patient first, it’s their career and acceptance and reputation amongst their peers that comes first and one of the biggest unspoken rules is: you never give contrary second opinions if you want to survive amongst your doctor peers. You see this every day, with even a simple GP consultation, right up to oncologists refusing to give a contrary opinion or do anything different to the first doctor you saw…they simply know this isn’t done and it’s career suicide. And Teo is right, this has nothing to do with putting the patient first and everything to do with their own egos and not rattling the establishment’s cage.

[@cjd2615]

Does that mean we shouldn’t bother seeking a second opinion?

[@rooey101donovan9]

@@cjd2615 Not at all, infact I highly recommend second, third, fourth, fifth opinions. I was rubbed off by many specialists who thought a lump in my cervical spine was completely muscular. It wasn't until two young and very intelligent advanced trainee registrars identified it in a previous scan which was labelled normal. All the other specialist i felt like they were covering for each other in complete disregard for my health.

[@hansnotsolo]

​@@rooey101donovan9 As a woman doctor, I have no idea where you are getting this information from. Most surgeons have multi-disciplinary meetings with other surgeons within the field, and other doctors from other specialties like oncology, radiology, radiation oncology, plastics (for reconstruction)... Teo doesn't believe in the utility of MDTs as he thinks himself the most genius person. He probably is a genius and even neurosurgeons I've met praise him for his talent and hard work. But no one should act with complete impunity, or without any outside advice. Have you considered doctors don't talk down on other doctors because they're not arrogant enough to assume that they are definitely correct and another trained professional is incorrect?

[@rooey101donovan9]

@@hansnotsolo What information? this is based off my experience. Paraganglioma was rubbed off as a muscular entity when in fact it was a tumour. What has this got to do with gender anyway? The two advanced Trainee registrars (One of which is female) were fobbed off by the hierarchy of Consultants and these two doctors since moved to other jurisdictions (they were probably bullied because they found the right answer to my issue that was missed by previous consultants and radiologists in the first place) the specialists knew I had subpoenaed my medical records through my lawyers and had tried to alter these records before issuing them to my legal counsel . I went interstate for a final fourth opinion, and the consulting neurologist recognised the tumour as an enhancing mass on older scans that were cleared as being 'normal'. Your complete disregard for what I had to go through in the medical system to finally obtain an outcome makes me question whether or not you are in the right profession.

[@rooey101donovan9]

@@hansnotsolo Oh and there are plenty of arrogant health professionals out there don't you worry. From the way you've even questioned my experience in the health system makes me believe that you are an arrogant individual who doesn't properly examine other peoples opinions before responding yourself. Alot of people sadly become doctors for the prestige and the market niche of specialising in certain areas, rather than helping people $$$$$. There are many good Doctors out there too, and I have much respect for them!

[@michelletrew4872]

I've been oblivious to all of this but I was inspired seeing your story. I really feel for you and your patients. Great defence. Sorry you had to do it.

[@MsMaxmotivation]

i remember this guy from 15 years ago and it was the same story… people dont realise when you’re facing death you will try anything and even a chance a doctor may give you and thats up to the patient, they should be given every chance they get even the slightest

[@1Kaileegirl]

There are risks in every surgery I'd take the risk with Charlie if I was dying It's very sad that some look to blame him when operation doesn't work His patients know the risks We need Dr Teo

[@jglg7238]

exactly.

[@willo7979]

When it goes bad, the ill side of human nature kicks in, got to get someone to blame on.

[@animefan7424]

Yes there is, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be undersold, you need to be truthful

[@sharondodd5121]

Brilliant man.. upsetting how people would rather rip someone down than look inadequate. Expecially with life and death.. just shocking!!

[@alta2732]

He’s clearly an unsung hero in the surgical world but lots of his competitors don’t value his uniqueness n eccentricities. Instead they trash his ethos n deem him dangerous. In my eyes, he’s a true hero who will go above n beyond for his cancer patients. He’s got their best interest at heart. I know this coz I m also a cancer surgeon in another body part that carries high risk of complications n comorbidities. Well done n keep fighting your own fight, Teo

[@NotFalling4it]

Tall poppy syndrome is alive and well in Australia. The media and a handful of patients might be vilifying him but most don’t and it seems most in this comment section don’t either. My daughter had an operation by a neurosurgeon- the outcome was not ideal. I would have gone to Teo in a heartbeat.

[@michaelbrent6614]

The world needs more good men just like Doctor Charlie Teo.

[@Toni-vo3bi]

Absolutely no surgery in the world is without any risk or complications. My heart goes out to these families but I don’t believe they weren’t aware of that fact. The interview said they had been told by other neurosurgeons that the tumours were inoperable but decided to take a chance on Mr Teo, a chance. To ban this man who saved countless lives and is willing to operate where no other surgeon would is disappointing.

[@animefan7424]

They went ahead with the surgery trusting Teos judgement, who undersold the risks, they relied on his expertise to guide him and they suffered as a result

[@sherlee123]

​@@animefan7424 that happens all the time...there are many risk factors with surgery

[@sweetwillow028_]

I don’t know him much except from 60 minutes. Unless he’s such a phenomenal actor… or there is just something you can’t fake which is his genuine compassion as a provider.

[@ailinchong6684]

TYPICAL AUSTRALIAN TALL POPPY SYNDROME 😢 Charlie Teo is MOST OUTSTANDING, TALENTED & GIFTED NEUROSURGEON yet Australian never appreciated such a great individual! Sadly It’s Australia’s HUGE LOSS. Many blessings Charlie Teo❤️❤️❤️

[@kiraalialeeonfairythegreenone]

​@kanajingly8957His many hospital patient records are proof enough that Dr Charlie Teo is a reputable, successful surgeon.

[@TomasiLeitu]

I respect this man you give hope to patients that fight for there life👏👏

[@jodistibbard4625]

Charlie is only guilty of one thing and that’s not playing politics within the medical community.

[@tuzaguilar4201]

Stay strong Dr Teo. The world needs you.

[@anngabriel5455]

Doctor Charlie you are a very rare breed of doctor and man. Keep up the great work, you are a real hero . Brave beyond belief. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe. 🇦🇺🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@trumpetflowerII]

He's so right. My last three surgeries were failures, as the outcomes were predictable, but not by me. I believed that I had a problem with surgery. The failures resulted in surgeons becoming richer, blaming me for their work, and simultaneously increasing my pain. The parting words were, "I'm here for you". Teo's problem is an old one; no one likes knowing they fail while another person succeeds.

[@anthonyalles1833]

Well, there's an easy way to resolve this issue - let him release the statistics on his operations for particular conditions and compare them against those of his colleagues. If he is so much better than them, then the numbers should easily prove his case. Everything else is just empty words.

[@kitty2527]

Yes, cos it is evidence based.

[@kimfox8622]

But his colleges are refusing to even do the surgeries and letting the patients die instead so you can't compare numbers.

[@anthonyalles1833]

@@kimfox8622 Well, of course you can - we just need the number of patients who have been refused surgery by other doctors and who have subsequently been operated on by Dr. Teo, and their outcomes. How hard is that? Of course, other doctors don't demand cash upfront either, because Dr Teo had apparently never heard of billing and invoices...

[@saly9719]

Great doctor He should be back Australia people need good doctors like him

[@challenger516]

Nah, he will move to Hong Kong or Singapore sooner or later, people will respect him overthere instead of attacking him and putting him down.

[@saly9719]

For me I respect him , I am so proud of him It’s not easy to study to be a doctor, and we got a good doctor, people don’t want, what is the waste I’m so sorry

[@peterlawrence6815]

Let dr Charlie Te'o along with his patients make the disision. He is a great guy.

[@patbrown4117]

Charlie with you 100% . Say it how it is mate

[@dianeareola5795]

There are many reasons why people get vilified but with any surgery there is a risk. If all surgeons have said there is no hope I would love someone to try that last thing. From listening to him I would let him perform surgery on me or my family. He hasn't been struck off so he must be good.

[@kathleenscheidt7339]

He also overcharged patients families. One woman questioned him prior to surgery and he canceled her surgery because she asked questions. That’s a surgeon with a serious problem. 60 minutes Australia had a great program on him

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

@@kathleenscheidt7339 if he regularly overcharged patients, as he said, he'd be surrounded by the trappings of wealth. He comes across well so it's sad that patients who need his services are being deprived of lifesaving operations, even if the risks are high. I'm sure those who are seriously ill would do whatever is possible to extend their lives.

[@jglg7238]

@@kathleenscheidt7339 so you saying brain surgery is cheap? and what does he overcharge in, 60 mintues are stupid, they cut and paste just to make him look bad

[@animefan7424]

@@jglg7238 Professor Henry Woo said that a lot of his patients had gofundmes to cover surgeries that are usually fully covered

[@jennyclements9114]

Instead of learning from this man they vilify him what a shame

[@animefan7424]

Ah yes how dare we not want to learn from someone who undersold risks and told two patients with inoperable tumours that it could be done and that they only had a reasonable chance of minor side effects

[@theunboiledfrog1258]

Tall poppy syndrome in Australia is disgusting

[@thomassankara2857]

He may have made some mistakes but I think he deserves a second chance just as many of us. I strongly believe there are some industry bigwigs behind his crucifixion just because he's too competent and was taking business from them. The world needs his kind of skills and must be allowed to practice again. This is too sad to watch.

[@chuanmeixu1246]

Also can you imagine the embarrassment some of his peers would have faced when their premumably dead former patient came back to them a couple of years later to tell them they were still going well after having gone to Charlie? Dr Teo is the living proof of their incompetence.

[@lynneburridge9082]

You are not wrong there. I cried reading his story. Again "Tall Poppy Syndrome" Oh well what else is new. Omg this great Surgeon could help alot of people.

[@MarniTurboHoarder]

If I had to have brain surgery I wouldn’t have anyone else operate on me Brains are so hard and complicated Every path to the end is a punishing one, particularly if a brain issue is involved It sucks watching a loved one die from this

[@joannsmith9]

Wow! There are 2 sides to every story but his side sounds compelling.

[@AussieBob999]

Dr Christian Barnard would never be able to do what he did in Australia. Now Aussies have to go to Spain to see Charlie and try a last desperate attempt to save their lives. Without surgeons like Charlie Teo we would not be where we are today in surgical procedures. There are many things that you can get done in China, Spain etc that cannot be done in Australia. WHY? Because of socialised medicine - the Medicare downside is that bureaucrats make the rules and control what can and cannot be done, for reasons not related to medicine. Soon Aussies will need a prescription to get Panadol or Aspirin.

[@gabriellamclellan1102]

I do hope one day that Charlie Teo will be held to high regard for his courage.. And it is people like him that bring forward the new generation of pioneers.. And it is time that the stuffed shirts of the medical profession had to shake up..

[@MarshallClarke-j1e]

Disgusting,Australia's health system is now a joke,what this man has been through.Progress is lead by innovation and Charlie is these people's last hope.

[@Sherri1971US]

I am sure this dr, is honest and sincere. He is. Probably a great sergeant. Sorry for the people that needs him.

[@taauriquemarley9931]

U can hear this guys has a passion for what he does

[@LilliR4116]

It's clearly obvious that someone was extremely jealous and was out to ruin his career. I find this appalling.

[@aussieanne5718]

IF Charlie Teo can help save a life let him do this as they say a matter of life or death🙏🙏I am just a normal everyday person that has heard so much about this amazing man and he should have every right to continue his profession,all the best to you Mr Charlie🙏🇦🇺❤

[@heathermaich8966]

The financial cost to some of these families, with bad outcomes (not death but complete loss of quality of life)and facing a life of regret and debt is cruel. This should not be about this arrogant surgeon. Everyone needs checks and balances otherwise you become a dictator.

[@kimfox8622]

But the families know that going in. They are given all the facts about the risks and still make the decision to go a head and try to save their loved ones.

[@snowps1]

He's ok with loss of quality of life. If he can extend your life, even in a vegetative state for a few months before you die, it's a success to him...

[@davidlp3019]

For God sake you KNOW the risks before you go in. Not his fault.

[@animefan7424]

@@davidlp3019 he undersold the risk of the surgeries

[@sleung145]

I feel sorry for you under so much pressure from the public, but I m proud of you ❤

[@KillaWizardry]

Why I dropped out of medicine..Too many scum bags.

[@blancaperez8251]

Unfortunately it is very sad Dr Teo to go out from his country. I am sure other countries are more than happy to take you.The jealousy in Australia is real and worst if you are not European. Big loss for Australia.😢

[@tereseatkinson2043]

I think this man is brilliant. He gives all the options and risks its up to the patient to decide.

[@gustaaf1892]

Did you watch the 60 Minutes programme that Charlie Teo refused to participate in? You need to if you're really interested in getting a more balanced view, rather than rely on a monologue from someone without being challenged on what he is saying.

[@challenger516]

@@gustaaf1892 lol 60 minutes is one of the most bias TV show and interview on earth.

[@gustaaf1892]

@@challenger516 This was an investigative journalism piece, so it has very little to do with bias. Why did Teo refuse to participate? He was prepared to go on to whole bunch of other TV and radio shows to be interviewed by friends and patrons to deliver a well rehearsed spiel without much push back. Karl Stefanovic in particular was embarrassing in the way he was supporting Teo without even trying to hold him to any level of account.

[@hanzocloud]

There is risk with every doctor, even for routine surgeries.. you sign something before any operation to say if something happens or you die, u understand the risk and want to go ahead with it. Of course everyone just signs as no one thinks things will happen to them.. So no different here with this doctor, why should he be targeted by media when so many no name doctors are not also scrutinised..

[@o0FranklySpeaking0o]

Thats why you sign a waiver that you agree to the surgery, any surgery is a risk 👍🏻

[@animefan7424]

Because Teo undersold the risks and was relied on as an expert when providing these risks

[@fujidenzo_kid4147]

I finally able to find a video that allows commentary from people.

[@m.z8119]

You are a good doctor Charlie. Don't give up

[@bbabert]

His solicitor is very good- watched three of his interviews and he all appeared with watery reddish eyes

[@patriciasporer3045]

What Dr Teo has said is the truth and 1000's working with him know it too. It starts with families grieving looking for someone to blame. It is sad but True. Now many won't have the chance to choose to risk for a better outcome. So many colleague's have turned because of ego and profit. And ego having someone have a different outcome is a real threat. We have lost one of the best. How embarrassing and very ordinary Australia. Surgeons and Health Departments. 2 years is better than none. 6 months is better and none. It is what it is!

[@animefan7424]

Teo undersold risks and also many of his patients needed gofundmes for surgeries normally covered by medicare

[@apriltownsend8463]

He saved my life 25 years ago!

[@ritabarber9286]

To lose a wonderful surgeon. It's so sad. xx

[@BobSaysWhat22]

If he wants to be a rich, all he needed to do was open GP and that’s it. But instead he is a neurosurgeon and taking so much risk to save people’s life and giving hope to patients who were told it’s inoperable. Of corse its not 100% guarantee result and that’s what all surgery’s are.

[@yuri797]

Im a veterinarian and I think I can sort of relate with him. As a doctor, you would always want the best for your patient and we try to go the extra miles sometimes because we care. The toughest bit is weighing the risk and benefit. It is possible that he may have advised the risks associated with surgery to the patient but the patient/family may not have paid attention or understood exactly what they entail. This is nobody's fault. We're all humans and we make mistakes. There is always room to improve. And we all learn from our mistakes. Im NOT saying that therefore these patients can be made as guinea pigs. Obviously, thorough planning, training and discussions must be done prior to surgery. If it is not feasible to do after considering all the different factors, then the surgery should not go ahead. But I just wanted to also point out that without trying, we will never know what lies on the other side of the spectrum and our knowledge in medicine will never expand.

[@see9968]

Operating on 100% terminal cases without a palliative purpose isn't going the extra mile. It's malpractice.

[@kitty2527]

As a peri-operative nurse in Singapore, the thing that I am very wary are proud surgeons like him who does not listen to anything or anybody but what he want to do and he is going to do it, no matter what, usually just to prove they are right. Yes, they tend to have good surgical hands but their attitude really sucks. And I have many questions on the way he runs his practice and secondly why did he not explain to the patient how he was going to access the brain through the other side. Where are the documentation on how he explain the procedure to patient and their family and why does he says each time - how much is your daugther is life worth until he was not allowed. That hospital in which that Indian boy was admitted was not a private hospital, it was a Singapore Governent restructure hospital - how in the world and why was he allow to perform a surgery there and why last minutes information on the brain being diffused and not even time for the parents to consult furthe and digest the news. In the practise of medical field there is no such thing I am the only 1, it is always team work. I will stay away from such arrogant doctors, seen too many of them in my 14 years as an RN working in the medical industry. Enough ! and yes, such doctors tend to be knife - triggered happy.

[@Filo-Joe]

Parents fault they went ahead. You're only a nurse not a surgeon stfu.

[@eyeswideopen7777]

Maybe there wasn't enough time to prepare documentation

[@ByHerHand]

You can see he has developed a huge cheer squad to push his narrative. I’m sure he’s done a lot of great surgery, but he’s also taken obscene amounts of $ for surgery no other Australian doctor would perform, with catastrophic outcomes. He is also completely unwilling to show an iota of humility.

[@kennethgoldsmith3851]

In Australia. Top surgeons like Teo, charges a lot of money and nearly most cases are subsidised by the government and insurance company. Everyone respects everyone. Unless you become greedy and think you are all that like Teo. Your colleagues will judge your action and aware of the consequences. The Australian government also pays these top surgeons lots and lots of money to remain in Australia as we don’t have many top level surgeons. There’s always two sides of stories here. He has his, now we need to listen to what other colleagues said.

[@animefan7424]

His colleagues said it was odd that many of his patients needed gofundme to cover medical expenses such as surgery by Teo when they are usually covered by medicare

[@Milo-gh4xn]

I feel it’s important to see the story from all of its angles and see both the good and the bad things this man has achieved.

[@explorerofunknownworlddept6232]

Unfortunately at least 3 so far were blocked to comment by viewers. Not sure it's KZbin or who else blocked.

[@thokdesign]

It's sad Dr Teo has to go on so many interviews to justify himself just because of the bloody media and their blast angle (mainly the idiots at Current Affair). I hope Dr Charlie Teo finds solace that we the public hold him in the highest regard. He's a legend to say the least

[@johnbambo9036]

Seems the Hindsight Police are very selective in their criticism of Dr Teo. Highlighting the poor outcomes without balancing that against the average/good outcomes would seem to me as absurd. Corporate life be it in Health or Business seems to be all about towing the mainstream. One should always be judged by overall results. In a high stakes environment not every operation can have the average to good outcome. That's life these idiots that want to play God and never be seen to make a mistake get ahead of themselves. You can only review your life backwards whilst forever moving forwards. Charlie, as someone with very limited knowledge of what you do I'd say keep moving forwards as you have always done. Much support.

[@KP-zd3hc]

My greater concern is… how many patients in the future will not be saved because their ideal surgeon is forced out of action? What they’re doing is highly unethical. They’d rather see people brain-dead than to see this man at work. Just let that sink in. Their own pride is worth more than people’s lives. A field where people’s health and lives are at risk should not have bureaucracy.

[@animefan7424]

You don’t undersell risks as a doctor

[@nicholasjohnson6724]

I'm an Australian RN, 30 years experience. I have always been a patient advocate, always arguing with management, because the care about profits, rather than patient care. I hear you Dr Teo, I have been terminated and am going through the same process.

[@explorerofunknownworlddept6232]

Sorry to hear. Hope you get back your feet soon ❤️!

[@nicholasjohnson6724]

​@@explorerofunknownworlddept6232 thanx , still going through it, it's a 12 to 18 month ordeal. If Dr Charlie throws his hands up in the air and walks away, I don't blame him one bit. Australia is a very backward country, and I was born and bread here.

[@explorerofunknownworlddept6232]

@@nicholasjohnson6724just hear you now. Wish you well all the way down the road! 💕 I fully understand you!

[@malite-loo4152]

Respect for Dr Teo.

[@ossamajarmakani6847]

God bless you Charlie….don’t give up

[@crystalbaugh5105]

There are two sides to almost every story. I am sure that there are A LOT of Medical Professionals whom have preformed a surgery and had some sort of negative outcome. To put ot plainly ,we're all human, perfectly imperfect. All I can say, is that if he claims that he gave people all precevibale outcomes, I truly hope he did. No one should EVER go into surgery and not be informed of potential complications. I have had SEVERAL surgeries, heart, hip, Gallbladder removal, foot, right elbow and others, and they did their due diligence in informing me of all procieved complications. It is tragic to those families who had a bad outcome, but there's a part of me that is a little skeptical that they weren't informend at all of the risks. when you are in desperate need for hope, and someone thinks they can help, I think most people would take the hope, especially if there was NO hope or other option. things aren't always black and white. I tell you what, if it were me and I needed help, and no one could or would help, and there was another doctor offering hope, I am sure I would take it.

[@aussiepressconferences.4755]

I want to know how his daughter killed a guy whilst driving on the wrong side of the road and the case was called off on the morning it was due. How does that happen, and can I have that happen for me please ?

[@colinnz]

He is a great man that has helped many people. He deserves everything good ❤

[@TheQueenIsWithin]

He showed them up and they hate him for it. Time for him to strike back. He should start filing complaints of concern of malpractice and underserving clients among his colleagues. Two can play that game. If he can increase the likelihood of survival of patients that were deemed inoperable, then it means he's proving many of them wrong. Their egos won't let them admit it so they would rather bully him. Where are all his past patients who survived the worst situation to support him?

[@animefan7424]

The inoperable patients he operated on are now in a vegetative state

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

It's most definitely not about outcome. Despite the many efforts being made by all parties, the results aren't always in their hands. I'm sorry that his intentions are being questioned when he comes across as someone who actually cares.

[@kaylz6418]

Your simply the best Charlie!!! Those patients knew the risks!!! I’d rather Charlie do the surgery and take the risks than not. At the end of the day someone is willing to try to help.

[@mauricebayfield5655]

Dear Charlie Everything that you have done infers that you and your team are better than those other doctors, especially those who have refused to do the surgery, has obviously infuriated most, if not all of the doctors in your field. You have made them feel inferior, perhaps even incompetent and they hate you for it. I doubt whether they will ever forgive you. It is not surprising that they have kicked you out of the club, you are a brilliant surgeon and a very intelligent man. I am quite sure that you know what you have done to upset them, and you did it anyway. If you want to continue as a surgeon, you must change you attitude towards those folks who have the power to get rid of anyone who does not follow the club rules.

[@jenijanewilliams6033]

In my experience if there were more empathetic doctors and people in general like Charlie the world would be a better place. He has put a lot on the line for his patients. I have been caring for my daughter for the past six years who has suffered an obvious brain injury after a head injury. At one stage she could barely walk, talk, eat, was incontinent etc.Two different specialists fobbed her off and said she had migraine?? Her condition was so obvious and yet they were clueless. Then there's Charlie, the absolute OPPOSITE to the morons I have had to deal with.

[@Will-nb8qk]

Wow, this is interesting. So you can’t think independently as a surgeon. If one surgeon provides a prognosis then the whole fraternity of surgeons have to follow that line?! This sounds hella dodgy and if something comes of this you’d hope it exposes questionable practices.

[@tektako]

**newsflash** you can’t think independently as a surgeon, doctor, lawyer or any sort of professional because the powers that be are like the gestapo and find clones easier to control.

[@animefan7424]

Here’s a crazy idea, you considered you can’t because it’s not medically sound to suggest otherwise?

[@anastasiawhite7482]

There is a right thing to do and a wrong thing to do - and Charlie often made the wrong decision, which sometimes led to devastating consequences for his patients and their families. Being a good surgeon is often knowing when to operate and when not to. This is particularly true for neurosurgery. In terms of skill, I don’t believe there is a huge difference in the skill levels between the surgeons at the top of their game. They are all put in their 10,000 hours of practice. The difference with Charlie is that he is good showman and is really good at selling himself and he is willing to accept risks other surgeons wouldn’t dare to. I suspect that he has certain psychopathic traits.

[@karensheehan2878]

Two friends. One operated on by Charlie is cactus as the idea of waiting for the explosion and following the flood back causes too much damage. The other friend chose a different surgeon and is fine.i think he is passionate but deluded in the way he operates.

[@kimfox8622]

You can't compare two different patient's outcomes. No two patients are the same.

[@KillaWizardry]

Jealous, mediocre surgeons please Stand UP!! ALL OF THEM except Charlie.

[@24hrdiner]

Even if he saved 1 life that had no hope what he does is worth it.

[@AkiraMeow]

In all honestly, I think it's brave for him to take on all these operation risks. Surgery is Surgery. That's what all those sign papers are for. He got guts to try and maybe lose face while others try to save their own faces.

[@omo97911]

You seem like a great man Mr Teo. Sad that your colleagues are so miserable.

[@TomandBennewsforNZ01]

Ignore all false accusations. Be honest n happy. Evils are everywhere to destroy good guys. God bless you n your family. 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🤝🤝🤝👏👏👏

[@hahaha9076]

I would hope Charlie Teo might be available to treat me if I had issue's. I see what you're doing mate.