Australian Medical Association elects new President and Vice President

Dr Michael Bonning has been elected as the next President of the federal Australian Medical Association (AMA), with emergency medicine specialist Dr Sarah Whitelaw elected as Vice President. The new leadership team is set to take office in November, succeeding outgoing President Dr Danielle McMullen and Vice President Associate Professor Julian Rait.

Dr Bonning, a NSW-based GP and former President of AMA NSW, won the election following a competitive race against fellow GPs Dr Anchita Karmakar and Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis. Dr Whitelaw, an AMA Federal Councillor, defeated several candidates for the vice presidency.

Upon taking office, Dr Bonning intends to focus on modernising Medicare and advocating for increased investment in general practice. He also highlighted the importance of addressing medical workforce concerns and strengthening relationships with state and federal representatives to improve the health system.