Current Vice President Dr Danielle McMullen FRACGP has been declared by the returning officer as the next President of the Australian Medical Association after nominating unopposed — the first unopposed leader since Dr Steve Hambleton.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson said Dr McMullen — a highly respected leader in the health landscape — has developed excellent relationships, including a robust relationship with federal Minister for Health Mark Butler.
"I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Dr McMullen, who has proven her mettle in her vice-presidential role for the past two years and as President of AMA NSW before this period," Professor Robson said.
"Having worked with Dr McMullen so closely I can confidently say I can't think of a better person to advocate for members, and all doctors on improvements to our health system."
"Dr McMullen is a strong but inclusive leader. She brings poise and vibrancy to the role of AMA President. The respect and recognition that Dr McMullen has around the country has translated into broad support of her candidacy for the AMA President role."
Dr McMullen said she was looking forward to representing all doctors across the health system, which is under strain in all areas, including in general practice, public hospitals, mental health and in the private health sector.
"The AMA is the voice of the medical profession and the only group representing all doctors across the country of all specialties and stages of career. I'm ready to take on the challenge along with my colleagues," Dr McMullen said.
"There is an urgency and a readiness to take the best bits of our healthcare system and strengthen them; to support our excellent doctors and other health workers; to invest in prevention and early intervention; and to invest in general practice so that Australians have ready access to their doctor when they need them. While there are many threats to the health system, there are also great opportunities.
"Some of the areas I will focusing on in my presidency include getting waiting lists down and improving the value proposition of private health insurance.
"Our first priority needs to be boosting investment in general practice. It's the cornerstone of our healthcare system with our GPs looking after Australians from birth to death and through all the ups and downs in between.
"With an ageing population and increasing chronic disease, we need everyone in our healthcare system working together. Patients need a usual GP working in a team to ensure they can access care when they need it, to prevent their illness deteriorating to the point they need to be in hospital. When patients do need hospital care, that care needs to be timely and well-coordinated."
Delegates at the AMA's National Conference in just over a week's time will elect a Vice President, with two candidates nominating: A/Prof Julian Rait and Dr Xavier Yu.
Delegates will also vote on a motion to introduce a hand-over period of 2 months for new presidents, with the new leadership team to take over from October 1.
