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An employee held "premature" concerns that he would be dismissed if a misconduct investigation against him continued, the Federal Court has ruled in refusing to grant his request to pause it.

According to the Canberra Hospital cardiologist, a 2020 review into the cardiology department identified long-standing workplace conflict, ongoing bullying and unprofessional behaviour, and a culture of blame.

Misconduct allegations that stemmed from this led to a preliminary assessment, finding a "consensus" among staff that a group of cardiologists – including the employee – were arrogant, had a sense of entitlement, abused their positions, and treated others with disdain and disrespect.

The employee was suspended on pay in March, pending an investigation into complaints he had behaved unprofessionally, fostered dysfunctional working relationships, and unfairly criticised and disparaged colleagues...