Launceston doctor 'silenced' by medical board

Dr Gary Fettke, who specialises as an orthopaedic surgeon, has been offering alternatives to surgery and healthcare through a low carbohydrate, healthy fat approach for the past four years.

However his public campaign has come to a halt after he received a proposed caution advising him not to “provide specific advice or recommendations on the subject of nutrition”.

As part of the proposed caution, Dr Fettke is unable to speak at any public or professional meetings that involve the discussion of nutrition or discuss nutrition with his patients in any clinical setting.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency investigation into Dr Fettke began after an anonymous complaint in June 2014.

Taking to social media, his wife Belinda Fettke said her husband had been silenced.

“Until the case is finalised he will have to abide by the law to maintain his professional registration,” Mrs Fettke said.

“It’s going to compromise his practice. Gary believes in a holistic approach to patient care and the best health outcomes.  “He has been given a right of reply and will be questioning the proposed caution.”

The online post has reached over 400,000 people including celebrity chef Pete Evans who has publicly shared his support for Dr Fettke.

“This is a man who has been studying diet and its role on health and getting wonderful results,” Mr Evans said. “Gary is at the coalface of what can happen with type 2 diabetes as he removes their feet as his job as an orthopaedic surgeon and he wants to help.”

A spokesperson for the Medical Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency said they were unable to comment.

“The National Law prevents us from commenting on any individual health practitioners or matters,” they said.

“This is to protect the integrity of processes if they are underway and any current or future action we may take.”

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said he would not comment on a live AHPRA investigation.