Dr Michael Byrom, a cardiothoracic surgeon who was once restricted from performing major surgeries by the New South Wales medical board, has been appointed as the first surgical medical lead at Clinical Excellence Queensland. The organisation works to improve healthcare quality, safety, and efficiency. Dr Helen Brown, deputy director general of Clinical Excellence Queensland, announced that Byrom will lead the Surgical Quality Assurance Committee to tackle preventable surgical problems. In 2020, the Medical Council of NSW restricted Byrom, allowing him to perform only simple procedures and banning him from supervising students. This followed a review of several clinical incidents and complaints by former colleagues concerned about post-surgery deaths at Royal Prince Alfred hospital in Sydney. Byrom denied the allegations, calling them harmed by former partners. He agreed to conditions requiring supervision and retraining in skills and decision-making. After completing all requirements, he now practices without restrictions. Queensland Health said Byrom's appointment followed thorough background checks and full transparency. A spokesperson said, "We welcome the appointment of Dr Byrom given his wealth of knowledge and experience in cardiothoracic surgery, surgical quality improvement and clinical governance." Public health expert Dr Marie Bismark noted that conditions on doctors happen only if there are public risks, which must be managed. She added, "It would be reasonable for the public to want some kind of explanation about what has changed since the conditions were imposed and the reasoning behind the appointment, and to be satisfied that this practitioner is now safe."