Teo became a celebrity surgeon for performing neurosurgery on cancer patients who have been told by other doctors they have inoperable tumours.
In August 2021, the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) investigated Teo’s practices resulting in the NSW Medical Council invoking practising restrictions.
Under these restrictions, Teo was unable to operate without the approval of another doctor who deems the patient aware of the risk and is financially informed.
It came after serious complaints and allegations about his decision to carry out some surgeries.
Teo denies any wrongdoing.
The surgeon was flanked by fellow high-profile supporters including former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh, whose wife was Teo’s patient, and boxer Anthony Mundine as he arrived for the first day of hearings.
“Charlie’s a great Australian, he saved my wife’s life and he’s a good mate. He’s a genius at what he does and I’m here to support him,” Waugh said.
Survivors of Teo’s surgeries also flocked outside the hearing to show their support to the surgeon.
“I came to Australia and he saved my life,” former patient Andrew Magar said outside court.
Another patient, Joanna McNiven, said: “After the operation, I was told I probably had about two or three months at most to live and I’m still here.”
In a speech outside the hearing, Teo said he was looking forward to having his say in the formal setting after allegations have been levelled at him of providing false hope and exorbitant fees to patients.
“It’s sad we’re in this situation. I mean I’d much rather be operating on a Monday,” Teo said outside court.
“I’m really hoping that what we’re going to see over the next few days is fairness, justice and truth come out.”
During today’s hearing, headed by a former family court judge and two neurosurgeons, the family member of a former patient gave evidence after his loved one was given up to 18 months to live with an incurable brain tumour.
The pair flew to Sydney in a desperate bid for the famous doctor’s help.
“We were grabbing on to any hope that we could,” the tribunal was told.
“That’s why we went to see him… he laid out a map that was quite inviting.”
The commission heard the pair had already seen two medical specialists interstate and a potentially risky surgery had been refused.
A referral was also refused.
In cross-examination, the witness told the commission that Teo talked with confidence and “sold us a lot of hope”.
The man alleged Teo told the patient “you could make your six-year-old son’s 18th birthday”.
Six months after the surgery, the patient died.
The commission also heard the patient was asked for $35,000 for the risky surgery but could only afford $10,000.
The HCCC wants Teo reprimanded and his right to practise to be placed under long-term conditions.
For the next four days, a panel will examine complaints made by patients against Teo.