Dr Danielle McMullen, the current Vice President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), has been elected as the new President after running unopposed. This marks the first time an unopposed leader has been declared since Dr Steve Hambleton. Dr McMullen, a highly regarded figure in the medical community, has built strong relationships, including a notable connection with the federal Minister for Health, Mark Butler.
Outgoing President Professor Steve Robson expressed his confidence in Dr McMullen’s abilities, praising her tenure as Vice President and her previous role as President of AMA NSW. He emphasised her advocacy skills and commitment to improving the health system, describing her as a strong and inclusive leader who brings both poise and vibrancy to the role.
Dr McMullen stated her eagerness to represent all doctors across the health system, recognising the challenges faced in various sectors such as general practice, public hospitals, mental health, and private health. She highlighted the AMA’s unique position as the representative body for all doctors in Australia and expressed readiness to tackle the challenges alongside her colleagues.
Dr Danielle McMullen has been declared the next President of the AMA — the first unopposed leader since 2011. The QLD-based GP brings with her extensive experience as a practising clinician and as one of the country's leading voices in healthcare. https://t.co/nGfsvFeFJt
— AMA Media (@ama_media) July 24, 2024
Her vision for the AMA presidency includes strengthening the best aspects of the healthcare system, supporting doctors and health workers, investing in prevention and early intervention, and enhancing general practice to ensure Australians have access to their doctors when needed. She acknowledged the threats to the health system but also saw significant opportunities for improvement.
Among her priorities are reducing waiting lists and improving the value proposition of private health insurance. Dr McMullen emphasised the importance of boosting investment in general practice, which she described as the cornerstone of the healthcare system, caring for Australians from birth to death and through all life’s ups and downs. She underscored the necessity of collaboration across the healthcare system to manage the increasing demands of an ageing population and chronic diseases, ensuring timely and well-coordinated care for patients.
In just over a week, delegates at the AMA’s National Conference will elect a Vice President, with A/Prof Julian Rait and Dr Xavier Yu as the candidates. They will also vote on a motion to introduce a two-month hand-over period for new presidents, with the new leadership team set to take over from 1 October.
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Dr Danielle McMullen has been elected unopposed as the new President of the AMA, succeeding Prof Steve Robson. She aims to improve the health system, focusing on general practice & collaboration. 🏥👩⚕️👨⚕️🇦🇺🌟 #TheIndianSun @ama_vice @ama_media @amapresidenthttps://t.co/KplIxZpeyz
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) July 24, 2024
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