Petro was one of the first doctors to administer penicillin with Alexander Fleming.[1] In 1966, he was injured in a traffic collision and faced bankruptcy, resorting to writing prescriptions to drug addicts for controlled drugs such as heroin and cocaine.[1] Petro did not have an office and worked out of coffee bars and cafes.[1] His practice was widely covered by British tabloids for months.[1] In January 1968, Petro was invited on David Frost's television program to discuss his practice.[1] He was immediately arrested after the broadcast.[1]
In 1968, his name was struck off of the Medical Register.[2][3] Petro continued working with drug addicts after no longer being able to prescribe drugs.[4]
