Michael Farrelly, who as a self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur” has put-forth similar schemes in the past, thereby getting himself permanently banned from health care. New South Wales Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) took this action, as his behaviour created serious danger to public safety. Farrelly billed patients up to $44,000 for unproven stem cell therapy. He argued that this alternative treatment could cure a range of grave diseases including multiple sclerosis and even cancer. The commission concluded that these actions showed a shocking level of indifference to client safety, leading them to take this extraordinary step.
Farrelly operated three online testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) clinics—Climax Clinic, Australian Institute of Sports Science, and Peak Performance Clinic—under the alias “Mikael Wolfe.” These investigations revealed a shocking reality. Flood did not have the required qualifications to make medication recommendations, which should raise a lot of red flags regarding his practices. His business was facing liquidation as of March of last year and he disappeared shortly thereafter, abandoning creditors.
That initial, narrow investigation allowed the commission to uncover a pattern of serious wrongdoing. An alarming example was telling one patient to double their testosterone dose against their prescriber’s directions. Not Farrelly’s refusal to work with health regulators and his continued misleading behavior earned him a lifetime ban.
A History of Deception
Farrelly’s story started almost a decade ago, when he was first probed by health authorities for his questionable work. During his practice, he used the aka “Vergel Page” while marketing his services and claiming miraculous effects from his procedures. His pushy, snake-oil-like marketing methods featured outlandish claims about enhanced performance.
Sam, for one, was more interested in relieving pain than bulking up.
“He said, ‘I’m going to make you huge,’” – Sam
Though Farrelly’s claims were proven to be false and deceptive, thousands of patients bit the bait, lured by the promise of improved health results. What the HCCC’s conclusions highlighted was that Farrelly completely ignored medical standards, putting client safety last.
“And I said, ‘mate, I don’t want to be huge. I want my pain to go away.’” – Sam
The HCCC acted after receiving hundreds of complaints about Farrelly’s clinics, or treatment/fraud factories as they are sometimes called, and their deceptive advertising practices. Galway County Commissioner John Tansey announced that Farrelly was flouting health regulations. Consequently, there was no alternative but to require a permanent exclusion on him providing care in the healthcare field.
Regulatory Action and Consequences
Tansey emphasized the significance of the ban. He emphasized that any violation of this order is a criminal offence and will subject violators to prosecution.
“Mr Farrelly showed little regard for client safety or the laws that regulate health services. The evidence confirmed he posed a serious and ongoing risk to the public, and his refusal to cooperate left the Commission with no option but to impose a permanent ban.” – Commissioner John Tansey
Farrelly’s attorneys established that he didn’t go by his name in his business transactions. This announcement significantly deepens the regulatory quagmire engulfing the circus master’s activities.
“Any breach of the order is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution.” – Commissioner John Tansey
After his company liquidation in March 2022, Farrelly’s departure was an issue of concern for creditors. He’s required to report back to them in no more than a month. Unfortunately, given his disappearance, concerns have been cast about his ability to pay any award.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
Serious questions linger about how Farrelly was allowed to run several clinics without anyone overseeing her operations or checking her qualifications to do so. The HCCC continues to hear about deceptive and dishonest practices associated with his operations. This speaks to the timely and essential need for stricter regulations on deceptive healthcare marketing.
A reporter reached out to Farrelly for clarification on these matters:
A reporter reached out to Farrelly for clarification on these matters:
“Just wondering if you’re aware that your company … has been referred to the Queensland Health Ombudsman for misleading and deceptive practices?” – Reporter
His response was dismissive:
“You’ll have to talk to my lawyer about that.” – Michael Farrelly
