Doctor linked to Essendon drugs saga banned from medical practice
A doctor linked to the Essendon supplements saga — and who treated underworld figure Toby Mitchell after one of his shootings — has been banned from practising by the nation’s health watchdog.
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A doctor linked to the Essendon supplements saga has been banned from practising by the nation’s health watchdog.
Robin Willcourt, who treated underworld figure Toby Mitchell after one of his shootings, has been deregistered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and National Boards.
An AHPRA spokesman confirmed the suspension of Dr Willcourt was imposed on December 6 but he could not comment on why.
The deregistration expires at the end of September this year.
AHPRA’s website says National Boards have powers to take immediate action to temporarily suspend a practitioner if they reasonably believe there is a risk to public health or safety or “on other public”
Such action is interim while an investigation is conducted.
Dr Willcourt, who is registered in South Australia, is believed to be currently operating in the United States.
A change.org petition has been set up to campaign for his reinstatement but does not outline why he is on the banned list.
It says Dr Willcourt is a highly respected doctor and researcher with 50 years of experience.
The petition goes on to state he used safe, science-based techniques to help people live healthier and happier lives.
“He’s a leader in his field, teaching other doctors and publishing important research. Now, with his medical licence suspended, thousands of patients who depend on his expert guidance for hormone therapy, safe peptide use and quality healthcare face losing access to vital treatments,” it says.
The petition states there is a risk patients will turn to unregulated suppliers for peptides, steroids and hormones.
It has so far gathered 585 signatures of support for Dr Willcourt getting his medical licence back.
Dr Willcourt analysed Essendon players’ blood samples during the drugs saga after being brought in by sports scientist Stephen Dank.
He told the Herald Sun in 2023 that he was conned by Dank into believing the study was backed by the club and its doctor, Bruce Reid.
There were reports that Dr Willcourt and Dank treated former Bandidos bikie boss Toby Mitchell after a near-fatal shooting ambush at Brunswick in 2011.
Mitchell eventually made a strong recovery from his injuries.
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