Associate Professor Julian Rait has been elected as the Australian Medical Association's next Vice President.
The specialist ophthalmologist and past president of AMA Victoria was elected at the AMA24 national conference on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
He will begin his term alongside President-elect Dr Danielle McMullen on October 1.
Associate Professor Rait said he was looking forward to representing AMA members in his new role and advocating for a stronger health system for all.
"The vice presidency of the AMA is one of the most important health leadership roles in the country, and I am incredibly honoured to be elected to this position," Associate Professor Rait said.
"I am looking forward to working with Dr Danielle McMullen, an extraordinary GP who will be a fantastic President of this organisation.
"There is plenty of work ahead of us as we seek to address the many challenges, and seize on the many opportunities, across the Australian health system."
Associate Professor Rait was the President of AMA Victoria from 2018 to 2021, leading the organisation through a large part of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He previously chaired the AMA Federal Council between 2020 and 2022 and led the Council of Private Specialist Practice between 2016 to 2022.
Associate Professor Rait has also held several leadership positions within the medical indemnity insurance industry, including serving on the Board of the Avant Foundation and the Avant National Advocacy Stakeholder Committee, while previously serving as a board member and the Chairman of the MDA National Group from 2008 to 2014.
Dr McMullen, who last month was confirmed as the next president after running unopposed, said she was delighted to have Associate Professor Rait as the AMA's next Vice President.
"Associate Professor Rait has held many health leadership positions over his extensive career and he knows what it takes to achieve meaningful health reform," Dr McMullen said.
"Together, we hope to address the chronic underfunding of GP services, the sustainability of the private system, evolving workforce shortages, and many other issues that are important to our members."
Current AMA President Professor Steve Robson congratulated Associate Professor Rait on his election.
"Associate Professor Rait and Dr McMullen, who has been an exceptional Vice President for the past two years will make a formidable team and lead the AMA from October 1 with great distinction," Professor Robson said.
