Prominent Surgeon Linked to Former Queensland Premier Suspended from Medical Practice
A significant development has emerged in the medical community, with Dr. Vahid Reza Adib, a well-known obesity surgeon and the long-term partner of former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, having his medical registration suspended. This action by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) comes just weeks after Dr. Adib was formally charged with serious offences, including rape and sexual assault.
The Health Ombudsman confirmed that immediate registration action was taken, resulting in the suspension of Dr. Adib’s medical practice on Tuesday. This suspension means Dr. Adib is now prohibited from practising as a medical practitioner anywhere in Australia for the duration of the suspension period. The Health Ombudsman’s website states that this decision will remain in effect until it is either set aside by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal or revoked by the Ombudsman.
Dr. Adib, aged 65, is facing a raft of serious allegations. He has been charged with three counts of rape, two counts of deprivation of liberty, and one count of sexual assault. These allegations are strongly denied by Dr. Adib, who intends to defend himself against them.
The alleged incidents are reported to have occurred on March 30th at Dr. Adib’s luxurious apartment located in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. Following an investigation, police executed a raid on the Goodwin Terrace residence on April 30th, seizing various items as part of their ongoing inquiry. The matter is currently progressing through the Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Dr. Adib’s personal life gained public attention due to his relationship with Annastacia Palaszczuk, the former Premier of Queensland. The couple has reportedly been dating since 2021, a period during which Ms. Palaszczuk was still serving in her prominent political role. It is important to note that Ms. Palaszczuk has been unequivocally stated to be not implicated in the alleged offending, nor is she involved in the investigation, and she faces no accusations of any wrongdoing.
The investigation into Dr. Adib’s alleged actions has coincided with a notable period for Ms. Palaszczuk. Her book, “The Politics of Being Me,” was launched on April 28th. Following the news of Dr. Adib’s arrest, Ms. Palaszczuk’s publicist, Max Markson, confirmed that her scheduled book tour and associated media appearances would be postponed.
Dr. Adib is a highly experienced bariatric surgeon who established the Brisbane Obesity Clinic in Auchenflower in 2004. According to information available on the clinic’s website, he has a substantial surgical history, having performed over 20,000 operations. His areas of expertise include laparoscopic surgery and comprehensive obesity management, making him a recognised figure in his field. The suspension of his registration marks a significant interruption to his long-standing medical career.
