Case of former gynecologist Simon Gordon referred to tribunal in Victoria
According to ABC News Australia, the Medical Board of Australia has referred the case of former Melbourne gynecologist Simon Gordon to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The board believes that allegations being investigated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) require independent consideration regarding possible professional misconduct by the doctor.
Previously, the Four Corners program reported allegations that the surgeon repeatedly removed tissue and organs from patients for endometriosis described as “severe,” although pathological examinations showed only minor signs of the disease.
Regulator’s investigation
At the beginning of the year, AHPRA began reviewing previously received complaints about Gordon and opened a new investigation. The agency engaged a panel of independent medical experts to assess the care provided to patients and requested thousands of medical records and documents.
An AHPRA spokesperson said that the agency and the Medical Board would not comment further on the matter because it is to be brought before the tribunal. Australia’s national medical boards are required to refer serious allegations to a tribunal, which must determine whether professional misconduct occurred.
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Gordon ended his medical practice shortly after Epworth Hospital learned in October 2025 that Four Corners was investigating him. In December, he voluntarily removed his name from AHPRA’s register of health practitioners. The doctor previously told ABC that he had always acted ethically and responsibly and had not performed operations unless he believed they were in the patient’s interests and could improve her quality of life.
Civil lawsuits
The tribunal may find that Gordon does not have to answer the allegations. If it finds that professional misconduct occurred, the doctor may be permanently barred from applying for registration again and from working in any area of healthcare.
Several civil proceedings have also been initiated in the Supreme Court of Victoria. They contain allegations that women underwent numerous laparoscopic operations, including the removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the uterus. Allana Goodwin, principal lawyer at Arnold Thomas & Becker, said that more than 500 women treated by Gordon had contacted the firm, and her team represents 295 former patients.
According to Goodwin, some women report ongoing physical and psychological consequences, including loss of fertility, premature surgical menopause, chronic pelvic pain, and disruption to daily life. The Victorian government has opened a support line for those affected, operated by Women’s Health Victoria.
