Dr. Danielle McMullen, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), provided an end-of-year update to members, highlighting both challenges and opportunities facing the organization as December progresses. In her message, she expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from members and emphasized the importance of unity within the AMA.
The notable highlight of this week is the unanimous vote by the AMA ACT to officially become a branch of the federal AMA. This decision, made on December 6, 2023, aligns the Australian Capital Territory with the Northern Territory and Tasmania, creating a streamlined structure across smaller states and territories. McMullen is optimistic about enhancing local advocacy and member services through this new alignment.
Conversely, the announcement that AMA Queensland has chosen to depart from the federation marks a significant development. This decision raises concerns about continued federal representation for Queensland doctors. McMullen reassured members that the AMA is actively exploring options to ensure that Queensland practitioners can maintain their federal membership, underscoring the importance of collective advocacy on critical issues like Medicare and aged care.
As a General Practitioner from Ipswich and a member of AMA Queensland, McMullen shared insights into the vital role the AMA plays in representing doctors’ perspectives to the federal government. She noted that the organization’s strength lies in its unity, which is essential for addressing broader healthcare policies that impact practitioners nationwide.
Amid these challenges, McMullen remains committed to advocating on behalf of members. This week, she met with A/Prof Fei Sim, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, to discuss potential collaborations between doctors and pharmacists. Despite historical tensions surrounding autonomous pharmacy prescribing, both leaders acknowledged the benefits of integrating non-dispensing pharmacists into general practice to enhance medication safety and care coordination.
Looking ahead, the AMA is also embracing the festive spirit with an end-of-year networking event designed to strengthen ties with business partners and stakeholders. This gathering aims to celebrate shared achievements and outline priorities for the coming year.
In her update, McMullen noted the significance of the AMA Council of General Practice meeting taking place in Canberra over two days. The discussions will focus on advancing primary care reforms that enhance patient access and continuity of care, emphasizing the critical role of general practice in Australia’s healthcare system, where over 22 million Australians consult a GP annually.
As the AMA pushes for a modernized Medicare system that better supports patients with complex needs, McMullen’s message remains clear: the organization is dedicated to placing the needs of its members at the forefront of government discussions.
Members can anticipate a special edition wrap-up for 2025 next week, as the AMA continues to navigate both its challenges and triumphs. Until then, McMullen encourages everyone to take care during this busy season.
