Royal Perth Hospital nephrologist Omar Azzam suspended following alleged antisemitic and racist online attacks

A senior specialist at Royal Perth Hospital had stringent work and social media use conditions imposed following explosive claims he spearheaded a covert online network that targeted fellow medical professionals with antisemitic and racially abusive attacks. The Medical Board of Australia has hauled nephrologist Dr Omar Azzam before a professional standards tribunal to face allegations of serious misconduct. While the legal process unfolds, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has imposed conditions on him. “The practitioner must not practise other than at practice locations that are approved and published below,” Dr Azzam’s profile on the AHPRA website reads. “No practice locations have been approved.” In addition to this; “the practitioner must refrain from any form of social media posting, or interaction, in relation to Gaza, Palestine or Israel.” A spokesperson for the AHPRA confirmed Dr Azzam is not permitted to work as a medical practitioner anywhere in Australia at this time. “Racism and discrimination in healthcare are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” they said. “Where conduct falls below professional standards, we will act to protect the public and uphold trust in the professions.”