Defending careers – 5 lessons from HCCC v Teo.

On 12 July, the Professional Standards Committee formed under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) issued its decision on allegations of unsatisfactory professional conduct against neurosurgeon Professor Charles Teo.

The hearings, held in February and March 2023, attracted significant public attention. This attention stemmed from Professor Teo's prominence as a highly skilled neurosurgeon, his reported willingness to perform surgeries involving significant risks based on patient choices, and the controversies surrounding his charges and patient interaction.

Supporters and detractors offered comments to the media, while several individuals were present outside the hearing venue every day. Media reporting varied between objective coverage and agenda-driven narratives. The initial criticisms of Professor Teo's conduct were raised and amplified through media reports, and this tone continued in many headlines and editorials about the hearings.