"Let him do this job": Mother of Charlie Teo's "miracle girl" blasts surgery restrictions
The mother of Dr Charlie Teo's "miracle girl" has spoken out against the restrictions placed on the surgeon and how they will impact the lives of many families with sick kids.
In 2019, Milli became one of Dr Teo's most well-known patients after he successfully removed 98 per cent of a brain tumour that had been dubbed inoperable and incurable by other surgeons.
Although Milli tragically died in January 2021, her mother Monica said she feels “devastated” and “disappointed” over the restrictions placed on Dr Teo, saying it will greatly impact patients and their families who no longer have access to potentially lifesaving surgery.
Since August 2021, Dr Teo has been barred from operating in Australia under rules imposed by the Medical Council of NSW.
In order to operate, Dr Teo must have written approval from a second independent neurosurgeon with more than 20 years of specialist experience.
These conditions will remain in place until September 30, when they will be subject to review.
“Why? Just why? I wish they’d leave him alone and let him do this job. He helps people – that’s all he does,” Monica told news.com.au.
“I know the neurosurgeons in Australia think he’s a cowboy and think he takes things just that little bit extra … but that should be left to the patient to choose.”
Dr Teo has has had daily requests from desperate patients to operate, as Monica said it should be up the patients to have final say over their treatment, and it’s an opportunity she’s grateful that her daughter had.
“A neurosurgeon could go: ‘No, I’m not going to do it because in three months time it’s going to be back in and you’re going to be dead anyway’ but if someone wants to do it and live that three months, why aren’t they given that choice? Charlie gives you that choice,” she added.
“He doesn’t mince his words and he doesn’t give anyone false hope, he just gives them real hope.”
She also said the rules which have limited Dr Teo’s operating ability also “robbed” the “medical industry” and future research as well.
Since the neurosurgeon has been barred from operating in Australia, Dr Teo has continued teaching, lecturing and performing pro bono surgery internationally.
“I feel sorry for the people in Australia who want to be a neurosurgeon and aren’t able to learn from the best in the world.”
Image credits: Facebook