Sydney  - US doctor Jayant Patel on Monday was committed to stand trial in Australia for the deaths of three of his patients in a Queensland hospital in what police allege was bungled surgery.

The manslaughter charges stem from Indian-born Patel's time as director of surgery at Bundaberg Base Hospital between 2003 and 2005.

Patel, 59, was extradited from Portland, Oregon, to face the charges.

He was hired by Australian health authorities even though a simple internet search would have shown that he had been cited for negligence in Oregon and New York state.

Lurid tales that portrayed him as a monster led to a backlash against overseas-trained doctors in Australia.

Patel's lawyers argued that media reports branding him "Dr Death" had jeopardized his chances of receiving a fair trial.