Neurosurgeons around the globe pen support for Dr Charlie Teo

Neurosurgeons from around the globe have put their support of Dr Charlie Teo in writing, penning letters of recommendation in hopes of seeing him reinstated. Read what they wrote here.

A Milan-based neurosurgeon says Dr Teo’s willingness to operate on very complex cases previously rejected by other colleagues exposes him to accusations of performing in “inoperable” circumstances.

Professor Giovanni Broggi, who worked for more than 40 years at the Neurological Institute Carlo Besta, made the comments in a letter to the Medical Council of NSW in support of his colleague, whose registration is under review.

“Given his excellent clinical results and great surgical skills in treating brain tumours, Professor Teo often accepts to operate on very complex cases,” Professor Broggi wrote.

“This attitude, coupled with his ability to truly share the patient’s point of view, is what allowed him to save many patients.

“Although he could not save the life of patients affected by malignant brain tumours, such as Glioblastomas, the truth is that in most of the cases he was able to significantly prolong patients’ survival and to provide a good post-operative quality of life.”

Dr Charlie Teo’s work as a neurosurgeon has seen him received letters of recommendation from colleagues across the globe.

Professor Broggi is one of six doctors who wrote to the medical council in support of Dr Teo.

Another colleague, Professor Paul Gardner from the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre wrote: “All of us who manage the most complex and dangerous cranial tumours face the constant risk and fear of devastating complications.”

Charlie Teo at Johns Hopkins 2022.

“Indeed, the only way to avoid these in such cases is to never operate.

“It is clear, however, based on the medical literature, that many of these disease have significantly better prognosis and outcome if a more radical removal can be performed.

“It is exactly this tightrope that Prof Teo is willing and able to walk every day.

“Any of us who attempt to do so will occasionally have devastating complications. This is the nature of our business.”

Charlie Teo teaching at a course in Europe to neurosurgeons from all over the world.

Dr Teo with other doctors during a visit to Germany in 2022.

“The emotional investment this requires cannot be overstated. I have seen Prof Teo invest this in every one of his patients I have seen treated and I have seen the impact on him when there is even a minor complication.

“There is no question in my mind that he is offering every patient he can the highest level of care available in the world.”

Stanford Medicines Associate Professor of Neurosurgery Robert Dodd felt compelled to address the NSW Medical Council when he learned of the complaint against his colleague.

“I hope you are able to navigate through this investigation and find direction to see that Professor Teo is indeed a good and passionate physician, a master surgeon, and an Australian treasure,” he wrote.