Queensland GP elected new AMA President

Dr Danielle McMullen will be the next AMA President after being nominated unopposed.

Dr McMullen has served as the Vice President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) for the past two years.

Dr McMullen said she was looking forward to representing all doctors across the health system, which she said 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,” Dr McMullen said.

“I’m ready to take on the challenge along with my colleagues,” Dr McMullen said.

Dr McMullen cited numerous areas that need greater investment, including general practice.

“It’s the cornerstone of our health care system with our GPs looking after Australians from birth to death and through all the ups and downs in-between,” she said.

With an ageing population, Dr McMullen said everyone in the health care system needs to work 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,” Dr McMullen said.

Dr McMullen said some of the other areas she will also focus on are reducing waiting lists and improving the value proposition of private health insurance.

“There is an urgency and a readiness to take the best bits of our health care 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,” she said.

Dr McMullen has praised outgoing President Steve Robson’s leadership and said she has “big shoes to fill”.

Professor Robson praised his successor and said he has full confidence in her ability to steer the AMA moving forward.

“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.

“Dr McMullen is a strong but inclusive leader. She brings poise and vibrancy to the role of AMA President,” he said.

“The respect and recognition that Dr McMullen has around the country has translated into broad support of her candidacy for the AMA President role,” 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,” he said.

Dr McMullen is the third woman to be elected AMA President. She follows Dr Rosanna Capolingua in 2007 and Professor Keryn Phelps in 2000.

Two candidates, Associate Professor Julian Rait and Doctor Xavier Yu have been nominated for the position of Vice President. That will be decided by delegates at the AMA’s National Conference next week.

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