Neurosurgeon Greg Malham Under Fire for Toxic Conduct and Sexist Culture
It's a story that’s shaken the medical world and captured national headlines — the downfall of once-renowned neurosurgeon Greg Malham. Known for his high-profile work at Melbourne’s Epworth Hospital, Malham is now facing disturbing allegations from both colleagues and patients about deeply inappropriate behaviour. And the revelations are far from just about one bad joke or a viral video.
This all came to public attention when a video surfaced showing Malham destroying an election sign for independent MP Monique Ryan, joking about “burying the body under concrete.” It was meant to be a joke, he later claimed. But for many, it was a chilling reflection of his long-standing attitude towards women and the authority he wielded. As it turned out, the video was just the tip of the iceberg.
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Former colleagues of Malham began to come forward, many sharing stories that painted a troubling picture of the culture within the surgical theatres he commanded. Nurses described him as egotistical, crass, and often demeaning — particularly towards women. One former nurse, Katie, recounted how he would call staff “spunky” or make vulgar comments about their bodies. Another, Maddison, a radiographer, said the environment became so toxic she left the profession entirely, unable to endure the stress and fear any longer.
But perhaps the most harrowing element of this story involves the tragic suicide of a young nurse, Laura Heffernan, who was in a relationship with Malham. In her final note, she blamed him directly, citing betrayal, humiliation, and emotional distress. The power imbalance was obvious to many — a powerful, revered surgeon and a much younger nurse, navigating an inappropriate and manipulative dynamic. Friends and colleagues said she visibly deteriorated during their relationship and felt helpless in confronting him or the system that protected him.
Despite all this, Malham continues to operate, now at Warringal Private Hospital, even as investigations by the medical regulator AHPRA are ongoing. Epworth has since distanced itself from him, with CEO Andrew Stripp calling his behaviour “abhorrent.” The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons has also condemned his actions, reminding the public that professional conduct isn’t just about surgical skill — it’s about character, respect, and ethics.
This case shines a glaring spotlight on the wider, entrenched issues in Australia's surgical field. With only 16% of neurosurgeons being women, and the top earners often shielded from scrutiny, many insiders are calling for a cultural reckoning. Surgeons like Malham aren't just individual cases — they're symptoms of a broken culture where bad behaviour has too often gone unchecked.
As one former colleague put it, “If people don’t speak up, the culture continues.” This isn’t just about one man. It’s about whether Australian hospitals will continue to enable toxic power dynamics — or finally choose accountability.
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