editorial comment One more casualty of the war on drugs....Too bad for his patient. Then again, we all know it is impossible to use drugs and be successfull................

A DRUG-fuelled night of partying in Surfers Paradise could cost one of the nation's top neurosurgeons his job.

Dr Timothy Steel, 41, was caught at The Drink nightclub with 1g of cocaine early on Monday.

On Tuesday afternoon the socialite doctor was whisked through a secretive sitting of the Southport Magistrate's Court, where he pleaded guilty to possessing the drug.

Steel, head of neurology at Concord Hospital in Sydney and a visiting medical officer at St Vincent's Hospital, had been staying at the five-star Sheraton Mirage Resort while attending a medical conference.

At 2.20am on Monday, police were called to The Drink in Orchid Ave after a woman complained of having her drink spiked.

While searching patrons they stopped and searched Steel, who had been partying with three unidentified women, and found a bag of cocaine in his possession.

He appeared in court facing one charge of possessing a dangerous drug. Court documents showed that Steel admitted the offence and was placed on a $150 good behaviour bond.

He was ordered to return to the Gold Coast to attend a drug assessment, diversion and education program on September 30.

In the wake of the incident, Steel was suspended from St Vincent's Hospital and may face similar punishment at Concord.

Both hospitals have stripped Steel of his patient list and will further investigate.

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