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Sick to Death

Author: The Australian

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Description

They called him ‘Doctor Death’: a surgeon charged with saving lives, but accused of taking them instead.


Dr Jayant Patel ruled over Bundaberg Hospital for two years in the early 2000s, despite being banned from surgical practice in the United States.


This gripping true account is the story that set Gold Walkley Award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas on his path to becoming Australia’s most trusted investigative reporter.


Based on his bestselling book, the Sick to Death podcast explores a dark chapter in Australian healthcare and the bravery of one nurse who refused to stay silent.


Subscribers to The Australian hear new episodes first at sicktodeathpodcast.com. Plus, get exclusive access to photos, videos, timelines, and more at the website.

3 Episodes
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They called him “Doctor Death”. A surgeon charged with saving lives, but accused of taking them instead. Gold Walkley Award-winning journalist and creator of The Teacher's Pet and Bronwyn, Hedley Thomas, revisits the story that set him on the path to becoming Australia’s most trusted investigative reporter. Sick to Death is brought to you by The Australian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 1: The Fall

Episode 1: The Fall

2025-11-1301:00:465

What happens when a family holiday turns into a nightmare? The Neville family’s summer break takes a devastating turn when young Elise suffers a serious injury, exposing the vulnerabilities of emergency care in Queensland.  Meanwhile, in Oregon, surgeon Dr Jayant Patel considers his options after a series of failures ends his American medical career. Do you know more? Contact Hedley Thomas and the team at sicktodeath@theaustralian.com.au Subscribers hear new episodes of Sick to Death first. Listen at sicktodeathpodcast.com, in The Australian’s app or search for “Sick to Death” on Apple Podcasts to connect your subscription. Plus, get exclusive access to photos, videos, timelines, and more at the website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 2: New Beginnings

Episode 2: New Beginnings

2025-11-1301:04:431

Dr Jayant Patel, a disgraced surgeon with a shadowy past, secures a new job in Queensland's healthcare system by concealing his history.  Soon after starting his tenure at Bundaberg Base Hospital, Dr Patel begins performing high-risk surgeries. Alarmed by a series of poor patient outcomes, local nurse Toni Hoffman starts to ask questions about Dr Patel’s competency. Do you know more? Contact Hedley Thomas and the team at sicktodeath@theaustralian.com.au Subscribers hear new episodes of Sick to Death first. Listen at sicktodeathpodcast.com, in The Australian’s app or search for “Sick to Death” on Apple Podcasts to connect your subscription. Plus, get exclusive access to photos, videos, timelines, and more at the website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Comments (5)

Steve McKewen

why are you only publishing on Apple?

Nov 28th
Reply

Susan James

ummmm next episode when?

Nov 23rd
Reply

Susan James

I am so glad Toni is continuing her fight and someone is helping her.

Nov 22nd
Reply

Susan James

Having said that, PLEASE do not just let this be a retelling of the story. PLEASE try to do more to bring this man to his deserved end in the medical profession and beyond for the justice of his failed patients and those who tried to help them.

Nov 18th
Reply

Susan James

Thank God (and more importantly, Hedley Thomas) that this story goes on., and continues to be investigated.

Nov 18th
Reply