Western Australian obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Michael Gannon, was today elected new President of the Federal AMA, replacing Professor Brian Owler whose two-year term has come to an end.

Dr Gannon, the AMA WA President and former AMA WA Vice President, is the head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the St John of God Subiaco Hospital, where he was born.

He has been passionately involved with the AMA since he was a medical student, and has been Chair of the AMA’s Ethics and Medico-legal Committee for the past two years. He was inducted into the AMA Roll of Fellows at this year’s National Conference.

Dr Gannon said the Australian health system was at a crossroads, making the role of the AMA and its relationship with Government more important than it has ever been.

“The AMA needs strong leadership with an appetite to engage constructively with Government, whichever political party is in power,” Dr Gannon said.

“There are currently reviews into the Medicare Benefits Schedule, private health insurance, and primary health care underway.

“It is vital that the profession has a strong voice in Canberra, and is willing to embark on constructive interaction with Government in responding to the recommendations that these reports will inevitably include.

“If the Government does not talk to the AMA, and vice versa, we are both poorer, and it is our patients who suffer most.”

Victorian GP, Dr Tony Bartone, was elected Vice President. Dr Bartone is the outgoing President of AMA Victoria. He is a member of the AMA Federal Council, and was inducted into the AMA Roll of Fellows on Friday.

Both were elected at the AMA National Conference, which concluded in Canberra today. Their two-year terms commence immediately.

This press release was sourced directly from Australian Medical Association online.