The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM; the College) has confirmed Dr Clare Skinner as its new President-Elect during the College's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 21 October.
Dr Skinner is a Sydney-based Emergency Physician and Director of Emergency Medicine, who until last night's AGM was Deputy Chair of ACEM's Council of Advocacy, Practice and Partnerships, and Chair of the College's Mental Health Working Group, a role she will continue to hold as President-Elect. She also serves as a member of the College's Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Health System Reform Committee, and is a Section Executive member of the College's Advancing Women in Emergency Section.
Dr Skinner will hold the position of President-Elect for one year, before stepping in to the position of College President for a two year term, beginning at next year's College AGM.
Dr Skinner said: "I am grateful to have received the endorsement of my colleagues, to represent them and the interests of our wonderful specialty of emergency medicine.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced just how important the work of emergency clinicians is, and I am committed to being a strong advocate for our members and trainees and the communities we serve across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
"I am determined to continue building on the College's significant efforts and progress in relation to engagement and inclusion; workforce and work practice reform; and health system improvements. We must continue to advance our important work on mental health, aged care, improved access and outcomes for Indigenous Peoples, and equitable resourcing of rural and regional emergency care. It is an honour to have this opportunity to work with the current College President Dr John Bonning and other leaders, to build on the work of those who have come before us.
"I would also like to thank and acknowledge my fellow candidates in the election for President-Elect, Dr Kim Hansen and Associate Professor Didier Palmer, who I look forward to continuing to work with to further the agenda of our College and specialty. My thanks go also to ACEM's Immediate Past President, Dr Simon Judkins, who has stepped down from the College Board, having served his term, for his many inspiring contributions."
ACEM President Dr John Bonning said:
"Our warm congratulations go to Dr Skinner, who has been a wonderful advocate for our specialty and the many communities we serve. Dr Skinner is well known and respected by many and the support she has received to become President-Elect is testament to that. I look forward to working with Dr Skinner to advance the important work of our College and specialty.
"I would also like to acknowledge and thank Associate Professor Palmer and Dr Hansen, who I am certain will continue to make valuable contributions to our College. I pay tribute also to Dr Judkins for his tireless advocacy and contributions to ACEM."
Background: ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
