What an incredible weekend in Adelaide at AMA25! Our national conference brought healthcare professionals from across Australia for two days and was packed with thought-provoking discussions, innovative solutions, and inspiring leadership.
The conference tackled some of healthcare's most pressing challenges with remarkable energy and engagement. From chronic disease prevention and AI integration to cybersecurity threats and telehealth regulation, every session sparked vital conversations about Australia's healthcare future. Minister for Health, Ageing and Disability Mark Butler credited the national AMA for Labor's GP workforce policies, acknowledging how AMA policy work has directly influenced government decision-making.
Our breakout sessions drew packed rooms as participants dove deep into diverse topics from Medicare compliance and cultural communication in medical training to practice ownership and gender-affirming surgery services.
Q&A sessions and soapbox discussions on national health policy kept the momentum going, with attendees actively engaging in robust debates about healthcare reform and the future of Australian medicine.
We also saw numerous deserving recipients celebrated through our award presentations, recognising incredible achievements in clinical excellence, leadership, and advocacy across the profession. A historic milestone was reached with the Indigenous Medical Scholarship awarding three scholarships for the first time - demonstrating our growing commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students.
The conference concluded with Dr Gill Hicks AM delivering a powerful closing keynote on "Being Agile within a Fragile Existence," sharing her remarkable journey following the 2005 London bombings. Her message about embracing change and finding strength in vulnerability resonated deeply with everyone present.
It all culminated in a spectacular gala dinner where we celebrated the Roll of Fellows, President's Award, and Gold Medal recipients. With MC Tim Campbell keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed well into the night, it was the perfect end to an unforgettable weekend.
