Indian-born Patel, 59, is charged with the manslaughter of Mervyn John Morris, James Edward Phillips and Gerry Kemps.
He is also accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Ian Rodney Vowles.
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Patel denies all four charges, which relate to his time as director of surgery at the Bundaberg Base Hospital between 2003 and 2005.
His trial, before Justice John Byrne at the Brisbane Supreme Court, is expected to last between eight and 10 weeks.
The case will be broadcast to a viewing room in Bundaberg.
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