The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has appointed Dr Danielle McMullen (FRACGP) as its new President, beginning her term in October.
As the organisation’s current Vice President, Dr McMullen was elected unopposed to succeed outgoing President Professor Steve Robson. It’s the first time a President has been elected unopposed at AMA since Dr Steve Hambleton’s Presidency from 2011-2014.
Dr McMullen was the President of the NSW branch of AMA prior to taking on the vice presidency of the national organisation two years ago.
Outgoing president Professor Steve Robson said Dr McMullen is a highly respected leader in Australia’s health sector and is “delighted to hand over the reins” to her.
“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,” Professor Robson said.
“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, a practising GP focusing on women’s and children’s health, said she is ready to “take on the challenge” of heading up AMA, prioritising reducing waiting lists and improving private health insurance for Australians.
“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,” she said.
Dr McMullen acknowledged the threats facing Australia’s health system, but said with that also comes “great opportunities”.
“Our first priority needs to be boosting investment in general practice,” McMullen said. “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.”
The succeeding Vice President to replace Dr McMullen will be elected at AMA’s National Conference next week, with the new leadership team expected to commence from October 1.