Sydney GP Dr Michael Bonning has been elected as the next President of the federal Australian Medical Association, with Melbourne emergency medicine specialist Dr Sarah Whitelaw elected as the next Vice President.
Dr Bonning is a former President of AMA NSW with extensive experience in clinical practice, health policy and medical leadership.
Dr Whitelaw is an AMA Federal Councillor and former Vice President of AMA Victoria.
Outgoing AMA President 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,” Dr McMullen 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 said he was honoured to have been elected AMA President and looked forward to leading the organisation’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,” Dr Bonning said.
“My greatest focus is on communicating with members and doctors across the country, in person, online and 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.
“I thank all of the doctors who ran for leadership positions. It's a sign of a healthy organisation that wants its issues to be openly discussed and acted upon.
“I am thrilled to be working with emergency physician Dr Sarah Whitelaw as Vice President over the next two years. Sarah has such an amazing depth of knowledge about our health system, and especially her understanding of workforce and training.”
Dr Whitelaw said she was looking forward to taking on the role of Vice President.
“It’s an honour to be elected to the leadership team of the AMA,” Dr Whitelaw said.
“I know that supporting our profession is the strongest way to advocate for the health of our patients and our community.
“We have so much work to do, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and to working with Michael.”
Dr Bonning and Dr Whitelaw will commence their terms on 2 November and will lead the AMA’s advocacy on key issues affecting doctors, patients and Australia’s health system.
