The expulsion followed the Federal Court’s dismissal of Al Muderis’ defamation case against Nine and this masthead over a joint investigation with 60 Minutes from 2022 that revealed he downplayed risks of invasive surgery and neglected vulnerable patients.
Justice Wendy Abraham ruled the media investigation was substantially true and in the public interest and found Al Muderis used high-pressure sales tactics on patients, bullied his staff, made false promises, downplayed risks, prioritised fame over his patients and was dishonest, callous and cruel.
Since then, Al Muderis has appealed against all findings and has taken indefinite leave from Macquarie University Hospital while he continues to operate at several other Sydney hospitals and internationally.
Al Muderis’ lawyers said he was “very pleased that the AOA has now publicly recognised and agreed that its conduct was unlawful”.
The association declined to comment. One surgeon, speaking anonymously to discuss internal matters, said there would “definitely” be a second attempt to remove Al Muderis.
“Dr Al Muderis’ practice has been deemed by the members of the AOA and its executive to fall below acceptable standards, irrespective of the outcome of legal proceedings,” the surgeon said.
“There is no doubt the members of the AOA will continue, through correct procedure, to enact the outcome as initially intended.”
Loading
The Australian Orthopaedic Association’s code of conduct states a member may be counselled, censured, suspended or expelled if they “wilfully” neglect the constitution or is “guilty of conduct, which in the opinion of the board, is prejudicial to the interest of the association”.
This can include, but is not limited to, convictions for indictable offences or findings of professional misconduct. A membership revocation is largely symbolic but would also restrict access to fellows and resources.