GP named next AMA President

GP Dr Danielle McMullen has been named as the next President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA).
 
The RACGP welcomes Dr McMullen, who currently sits as the association’s Vice President and will take over the top job from Professor Steve Robson.
 
Dr McMullen, who was elected unopposed, said she is now looking forward to representing all doctors across the health system, which is under strain in all areas, but is especially focused on GPs.
 
‘Our first priority needs to be boosting investment in general practice,’ she 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.
 
‘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.’
 
Dr McMullen will take over the reins on 1 October, with a new Vice President to be elected at the AMA’s National Conference next month.
 
She said her other areas of focus will include reducing waiting lists and improving the value proposition of private health insurance.
 
Dr McMullen said there is now 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
 
‘While there are many threats to the health system, there are also great opportunities.’
 
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins congratulated Dr McMullen on her appointment.
 
‘It’s fantastic to have a GP as president of the AMA at a pivotal time for general practice,’ she said.
 
‘Danielle and I have worked together closely on the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, throughout the Scope of Practice review, and on other issues important to the profession and our patients.
 
‘We have an excellent working relationship.’
 
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