After nearly seven weeks, senior cardiologist Professor Peter Macdonald is back working at St Vincent’s Hospital today. Wendy Bacon reports.
When three doctors from the Alliance of Antisemitism in Health Care accused Macdonald of antisemitism, the hospital announced it would conduct an investigation. Thousands of letters from members of the public including past patients were sent to the hospital in support of the renowned cardiologist.
Although the terms of any settlement are not public, a sign that Macdonald has successfully pushed back against his accusers occurred early on Friday morning when a statement that implied that he was guilty of “antisemitism, racism, bigotry and hate” that had been on St Vincent’s hospital website for 7 weeks disappeared.
However Macdonald has still not returned to his research position at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute which has stated that it is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of his comment. (Watch for our next story on Victor Chang).
Where’s Paul? Inside the attack on cardiologist by St Vincent’s and Victor Chang
Wendy Bacon is an investigative journalist who was the Professor of Journalism at UTS. She worked for Fairfax, Channel Nine and SBS and has published in The Guardian, New Matilda, City Hub and Overland. She has a long history in promoting independent and alternative journalism.
She is a long-term supporter of a peaceful BDS and the Greens.