‘Gotta bury the body’: Surgeon quits Epworth after Kooyong corflute fiasco

The Melbourne surgeon featured in a video tearing down a Dr Monique Ryan election sign and joking that he had to “bury the body” has left his job at the Epworth hospital.

The video that circulated on social media last month shows Professor Greg Malham praising US President Donald Trump after tearing down the teal Kooyong MP’s corflute, bundling it into the boot of a car and addressing “the boys”.

An internal email sent to staff on Friday from Epworth HealthCare chief executive Andrew Stripp says Malham made the “right decision” to leave his job, and that Stripp supported his decision.

“Following the release of the video showing Prof Malham pulling down an election poster of Dr Monique Ryan, he decided to take leave while an independent external inquiry was commenced,” the email read.

“During the course of the independent external inquiry, Prof. Malham came to understand the impact his actions had on Epworth and our people.”

In the same video, Malham removes the sign from the boot of the car, stomps on it and buries it under rubbish in a roadside skip.

“Just finishing the job, boys. Always gotta bury the body,” he says in the recording.

“Just remember these tutorials. It is all about technique, Nigel. Always remember guys, good technique, then dispose of the evidence.

“Always remember, boys, bury the body under concrete.”

Stripp told staff the incident had caused “real distress” to many people within and beyond the Epworth, and that Malham had apologised to Ryan both publicly and personally, which she had accepted.

The surgeon was seen ripping down and then stomping on the poster.

“I have heard from a number of you – in person and via email – and I appreciate the honesty and care with which you’ve expressed your views,” he wrote.

“There is no doubt that what occurred was a serious lapse in judgment. Prof. Malham acknowledged that his behaviour did not align with Epworth’s values.”

On Friday, Ryan confirmed she had accepted Malham’s personal apology.

“I have also been contacted by several of his colleagues and other health professionals who expressed their shock and dismay at his actions,” Ryan said.

“I’m grateful to the Epworth Hospital for taking the matter seriously and conducting a thorough investigation.”

Malham and the Epworth Hospital were approached for comment.

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