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AMA announces next President
GP Dr Michael Bonning will begin the role in November, with emergency medicine specialist Dr Sarah Whitelaw named Vice President.
Dr Sarah Whitelaw and Dr Michael Bonning were announced as the AMA’s next Vice President and President at the AMA26 National Conference.
Dr Michael Bonning will be the Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) next President, it was announced on the weekend.
The prominent Sydney GP will begin his term in the top job in November with Melbourne emergency medicine specialist Dr Sarah Whitelaw elected as his Vice President.
Dr Bonning’s resume includes a long stint as a medical officer in the Royal Australian Navy, serving as President of AMA New South Wales, sitting on the RACGP Expert Committee – Funding and Health System Reform, and extensive experience in clinical practice, health policy and medical leadership.
He is currently a practising GP and co-owner of Balmain Village Health in Sydney.
Dr Bonning said he is honoured by his new appointment and will lead the AMA’s advocacy ‘on behalf of doctors and patients’.
‘I’m looking forward to the opportunity and the challenge of being the next AMA President, and to being a steward of our organisation for all members and for all doctors,’ he said.
‘My greatest focus is on communicating with members and doctors across the country, in person, online and on social media, to hear from them and turn their experiences into actionable policy and advocacy.
‘Our association has unrivalled potential to contribute constructively to creating a better health system, and so I am humbled to be its next President.’
Dr Whitelaw added that with ‘so much work to do’, she is looking forward to the challenge.
‘It’s an honour to be elected to the leadership team of the AMA,’ she said.
‘I know that supporting our profession is the strongest way to advocate for the health of our patients and our community.’
Outgoing AMA President and GP Dr Danielle McMullen congratulated Dr Bonning and Dr Whitelaw on their election.
‘Serving as AMA President has been an extraordinary privilege, and I am delighted to see Michael and Sarah elected to lead the organisation into its next chapter,’ she said.
‘The AMA has a proud history of standing up for patients, doctors and high-quality healthcare.
‘I know Michael and Sarah will continue that important work, and I wish them every success as they prepare to take up their new roles.’
Dr Bonning and Dr Whitelaw will officially begin their new roles on 2 November.
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