German-born heart surgeon fighting for his life after vicious attack

German-born heart surgeon Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann is fighting for his life at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne after he was allegedly bashed for telling a man to stop smoking. The man charged over the alleged one-punch attack is due to face court today.

Smoking (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) Source: AAP

The German-born surgeon was allegedly punched near the entrance to the Box Hill Hospital on Tuesday night (30th of May), by a 22-year-old man from Mill Park.

The alleged attacker has been charged with intentionally causing injury. He was due to face court today (1st of June).

The Australian Medical Association condemned the attack, saying violence has become a common occurrence in hospitals.

"You should be able to turn up to work and not be abused, threatened or assaulted."

AMA Victoria president Lorraine Baker

Der in Deutschland geborene Herzchirurg schwebt seit Dienstagabend in Lebensgefahr Source: AAP

An Eastern Health spokeswoman says Mr Pritzwald-Stegmann's family has requested privacy after the "terrible incident".