About the AMA

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is an independent organisation which represents more than 27,000 doctors, whether salaried or in private practice, whether general practitioners, specialists, teachers and researchers, or doctors in training.

The AMA, as the peak health advocacy organisation, exists to advance the professional interests of doctors and the health of the community.

The AMA has a federal structure with branches in each state and territory which focus primarily on state matters, and a Canberra-based federal body, located in the Parliamentary Triangle, which focuses on national issues. In addition to their elected office-bearers, both the federal and state bodies have secretariats of paid employees who assist in the running of the day to day affairs of the Association.

The Association welcomes enquiries and suggestions concerning its activities. Membership enquiries should be addressed to the Australian Medical Association in the relevant State or Territory.

AMA Statement of Values

The Australian Medical Association is an organisation whose members are registered medical practitioners and medical students.

The AMA exists to:

• promote and advance ethical behaviour by the medical profession and protect the integrity and independence of the doctor/patient relationship;
• promote and advance the public health;
• protect the academic, professional and economic independence and the well being of medical practitioners; and
• preserve and protect the political, legal and industrial interests of medical practitioners.

The AMA will achieve these aims by:

• fostering and sustaining consultation, co-operation and communication within the medical profession;
• acting as the principal co-ordinating and lobbying body for the medical profession;
• fostering unity amongst medical practitioners by providing a forum for their opinions;
• promoting the achievement and maintenance of high clinical and ethical standards in medical practice; and
• fostering communication between the medical profession and the community.

Federal Council

The Federal AMA is governed by its Federal Council, a body of 32 Board members representing Craft Groups, Special Interest Groups and Branches.

The primary function of the Federal Council is the formulation of policies on issues of concern to the profession and governance of the Association.

The Federal Council comprises:

• the Office Bearers, consisting of, President, Vice President, Chairman of Council and Treasurer (Each elected for a term of one year at the Association's Annual National Conference. The President is elected for a one year term with a maximum of three consecutive years);
• one nominee from each State or Territory Branch (nominated for periods at the discretion of the Branch);
• one nominee from each of the six geographic areas (NSW/ACT, VIC, SA/NT, WA, QLD, Tas) (each elected for a term of two years);
• one nominee from each of eleven Craft Groups and two Special Interest Groups (each elected for a term of two years);
• one nominee from the Australian Medical Students' Association (nominated for a term of one year).

Federal Council meets four times per year to define major AMA policies and to determine principal activities. Between meetings of Federal Council, the Executive Council (comprising the Office Bearers, plus two Councillors elected by Federal Council) manages the Association's affairs.

The AMA Federal Council's democratic, representative structure ensures that it is constituted appropriately to deal with the concerns of the entire profession and to undertake advocacy on its behalf.

Committees

Much of the Association's work is conducted through a system of Committees of Federal Council. The Standing Committees are

• Audit Committee
• Finance Committee
• Constitution and Policy Review Committee
• Fellowship Committee
• Ethics and Medico-Legal Committee

Other Committees are formed by and report to Federal Council from time to time and relate to issues affecting members of the Association. Other Committees include, but are not limited to, working parties, task forces and coordinating councils.

Representation

The AMA has representatives on a broad range of outside agencies, both Federal and State, whose activities are important to Australia's medical profession. The Association considers such representation essential if the profession is to play an effective role in the determination of national health priorities and activities.

The AMA also works with many organisations in Australia and overseas on a broad range of medical, health and social issues. These bodies include the medical Colleges, the National Health and Medical Research Council, federal and state governments.. In addition, the AMA works strategically with peak bodies representing non-government organisations such as the National Heart Foundation, National Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations and the Cancer Council Australia.

Internationally, the AMA is a member of the World Medical Association and the Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania. The AMA is also invited to attend the annual conferences of the British Medical Association and the New Zealand Medical Association.

In each State and Territory, the relevant Branch Council is represented on, or nominates members to, various official bodies and committees including medical boards, postgraduate education committees, and government committees concerned with health issues.

Commitment to Medical Research

The AMA also makes a major commitment to medical research and education through the publication of the prestigious Medical Journal of Australia. The Journal, published since 1914, is the only peer-reviewed general medical journal in Australia. It reports original research carried out by doctors and other health professionals in Australia and overseas.

The AMA also publishes a fortnightly news magazine, Australian Medicine, which keeps members up to date with the latest in health news. In addition, each Branch publishes its own news magazine/journal bringing important news and information to members.

Influencing Governments

The AMA keeps in regular contact with a large number of politicians, political parties and government ministers. It frequently presents submissions to, and appears before, committees inquiring into health issues.

It is also represented on a number of government committees, ensuring that the voice of the profession is heard well before decisions are made. It also keeps politicians informed about the views of the profession in order to help achieve better health outcomes for all Australians.

The AMA frequently runs campaigns to influence government decisions which it believes may not be in the country's best interests. It is also quick to praise sensible decisions, particularly where public health is concerned.

Code of Ethics

The AMA's Code of Ethics represents the core of fundamental principles which should guide doctors in their professional conduct. It covers issues such as respect for patients, standards of care, clinical research and teaching, the dying patient, professional conduct and the doctor's role in society. The Code is available on request from the Federal Secretariat or at http://www.ama.com.au.

About the Federal Secretariat

Since its move to Canberra in 1990 the Federal AMA has increasingly concentrated its endeavours on activities relevant to its membership and improve the delivery of health services in Australia. Such initiatives include:

• lobbying the Government to conduct a Commonwealth review of the impact of the Trade Practices Act (1974) on the Recruitment and Retention of Rural Doctors;
• lobbying the Government for reforms to legislation relating to the medical indemnity insurance industry to ensure its long term viability;
• advocacy for control of the size of the medical workforce, particularly through limiting the entry into practice of overseas-trained doctors;
• participation in Government inquiries which have the potential to affect future Australian health care;
• discussions with the Federal Government over Medicare rebates, public hospital funding, private health insurance and funding for medical services in specific Commonwealth programs such as Veteran’s health;
• effective advocacy on a broad range of public health and ethical issues, including stem cell research, youth health, party drugs, firearm legislation, alcohol abuse, smoking, the ill effects of boxing and end of life decisions; and
• effective advocacy on medical workplace and training issues, including working hours, work/life balance access to vocational training and Medicare provider eligibility.

These initiatives are conducted through the Federal Secretariat under the direction of Federal Council. The Federal Secretariat comprises:

Corporate Services: Provides financial, IT, membership management and administrative support services to the Federal Secretariat. Corporate Services also manages the annual AMA National Conference and delivers a commercial program of retail, financial and travel benefits to AMA members nationwide.

General Practice and eHealth: The General Practice program is designed to ensure that the AMA is the peak industry body representing Australian general practitioners on industrial and professional matters. The department represents the interests of AMA GP members and of the profession generally by developing and implementing policy on the main issues impacting on general practice, in collaboration with the AMA network, the profession and key stakeholders. The department’s work focuses on defending the professional independence of general practitioners through improving their remuneration, working conditions and professional work environment. The program gives high priority to communicating with the members and the profession in a timely and informative style.

The eHealth Program ensures that the AMA is the peak industry body representing the interests of the medical profession regarding the development of eHealth policy and programs in both the public and the private sector. The department identifies and responds to key issues in eHealth, with the aim of defending professional independence and improving remuneration and working conditions for medical practitioners. The ehealth program guides the AMA's approach to commercial or strategic partnerships and alliances in eHealth activities.

Legal Counsel: The Legal Counsel plays a vital role in formulating AMA’s medico-legal policies, developing strategy on legal issues and provide broad legal advice to the AMA membership. Recently, priority issues have included privacy and medical indemnity. The Legal Counsel also provides advice to internal AMA departments and ensures AMA compliance with specific legal requirements such as the Trade Practices Act (1974).

Medical Practice: The Department has four main areas of work. These are medical fees and rebates, private health insurance, public hospital funding and organisational issues and aged care services. In all these areas, the Department lobbies the Government and other relevant organisations for improvements to legislation, funding, services etc which are in the interests of the medical profession and patients. The Department also produces the AMA's List of Medical Services and Fees, used by many doctors as a guide to setting fees.

Public Affairs: The AMA, through the Public Affairs Department, lets people know what the AMA is doing in health policy, public health and medical programs, advocacy, and lobbying on behalf of our members. It promotes public relations events like Family Doctor Week, the Parliamentary Breakfast, seminars, forums and summits. The department also prepares media releases, speeches, video and audio scripts, and assist the AMA’s elected leaders with the preparation and placement of articles, columns and letters to newspapers and other publications. In addition, it produces the membership magazine, Australian Medicine, the Annual Report, the AMA Budget Submission, and various pamphlets, posters and flyers. The Public Affairs Department also coordinates all media activity undertaken by the President and other office holders, including media interviews, media liaison, media training and visits to towns and suburbs all over Australia to highlight the AMA message.

Public Health and Ethics: The AMA works on a range of public health and medical issues that impact on the well-being of our community. These include substance misuse, indigenous health, complementary medicine, the health of medical practitioners, child and youth health, chronic disease management and the environmental determinants of health. The AMA works on a wide range of ethical issues associated with genetics, research, privacy, end of life, professional conduct, and more.

Workplace: The AMA provides advocacy, policy and campaign services for salaried and private doctors in their dealings with governments, public and private health services and other third parties. This department co-ordinates activity on major professional, legislative and industrial relations developments affecting the medical workforce and produces a range of information on remuneration and industrial relations matters. The AMA has an active program of workplace change initiatives including the Safe Hours Campaign and the Work Life Flexibility Project.

Secretary General’s Department: The Secretary General’s Department provides strategic advice to the AMA’s elected officials and has taken a leading role in lobbying the Government on trade practice and medical indemnity issues. The Secretary General is also responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the Federal Secretariat, including administrative matters relating to the AMA Board – Federal and Executive Council. Responsibility for HR management rests with this department and is provided by the HR Manager who reports directly to the Secretary General.

History

Branches of the British Medical Association were formed in Australia the late nineteenth century onwards. Before the formation of Australia's specialist Colleges, the Branches held regular meetings to discuss medical developments and unusual cases.

The BMA Branches formally merged into the Australian Medical Association in 1962.

AMA Symbols

The AMA's logo features a serpent wrapped around a staff - the symbol of Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine. It is a traditional symbol of medicine used by many medical organisations the world over.

Serpents had a reputation for wisdom and were believed to have had the power of rejuvenation. The serpent and staff also appears on the AMA's coat of arms.

The AMA's motto - pro genere human concordes - means "united for humanity".

Gold Medalists

The Gold Medal of the Association is the highest honour the Association can bestow. It may be awarded to and bestowed on members of the profession who have rendered outstanding services to the Association, to the practice of medicine, or to the community, and shall not be awarded by virtue of holding any office or position within the Association, a Branch, Craft Group or Special Interest Group.

Recipients of the Gold Medal of the AMA and the date bestowed:

1. Sir Cecil Colville (1964)
2. Sir Angus Johnston Murray (1966)
3. Dr Clarence O F Rieger (1968)
4. Dr Roderick H MacDonald (1971)
5. Sir Geoffrey Newman-Morris (1974)
6. Sir Keith Stephen Jones (1976)
7. Dr Ronald Richmond Winton (1977)
8. Dr Lionel Leopold Wilson (1983)
9. Dr Harold Lindsay Thompson (1986)
10. Dr George Dimitri Repin (1987)
11. Dr Trevor George Pickering (1992)
12. Dr Kevin James Fagan (1992)
13. Dr Bruce Dalway Shepherd (1993)
14. Dr Frederick Bryce Macaulay Phillips (1994)
15. Dr Brendan John Nelson (1995)
16. Sir Gustav Nossal (1998)
17. Dr Michael Scollin Rice (2004)
18. Professor Robin Warren and Professor Barry Marshall (2006)
19. Dr George Santoro (2007)
20. Professor Fiona Stanley (2008)

President’s Award

Awarded to a person, not necessarily a medical practitioner, who, in the opinion of the President, has made an outstanding contribution towards fostering the objectives of the AMA.

Recipients of the President’s Award, date bestowed and name of President who nominated:

1. Tricia Caswell, Australian Conservation awarded by Dr David Weedon (1996)
2. The Rt Hon John Howard, Prime Minister, Uniform Gun Laws, awarded by Dr Keith Woollard (1997)
3. The Hon Graham Kierath, Smoke-free workplaces in WA, awarded by Dr Keith Woollard (1998)
4. Dr Peter Arnold, Chairman of AMA Federal Council 1995-1999, for his outstanding service to the AMA, awarded by Dr David Brand (1999)
5. Mr Roger Kilham, Access Economics and consultant to AMA, for his economic advice and service to the AMA, awarded by Dr David Brand (2000)
6. Dr Paul Bauert, President, AMANT and Federal Councillor, for his contribution to indigenous health and to the AMA, awarded by Dr Kerryn Phelps (2002)
7. Members of the AMA Medical Professional Indemnity Task Force from June 2002 to 31 May 2003 for their outstanding service to the AMA and the profession through their ongoing commitment to addressing the medical indemnity crisis. Members of the MPITF: Dr Michael Sedgley (Chair), Dr Christopher Cain, Dr William Glasson, Dr Peter Garcia-Webb, Dr Andrew Pesce, Dr Russell Stitz, Dr Nicholas Little, Mr Laurie Pincott. (Awarded May 2003)
8. The Hon Douglas Ackley Lowe AM, awarded for his outstanding service to the AMA as Executive Officer, AMA (Tasmania) 1992-2004. Awarded by Dr William Glasson (2004)
9. Mr John Perrin (2006) awarded by Dr Mukesh Haikerwal
10. Dr Don Sheldon (2007) awarded by Dr Mukesh Haikerwal

11. Dr Martin Van der Weyden, Mr Kerry Gallagher, Mr Paul Boyatzis (2008) awarded by Dr Rosanna Capolingua

Presidents of the Association

1. Cecil Colville (1962-64)
2. Angus Murray (1964-67)
3. Clarence Rieger (1967-70)
4. Roderick Macdonald (1970-72)
5. Gavin Johnson (1972-73)
6. Keith Jones (1973-76)
7. Rupert Magarey (1976-79)
8. Lionel Wilson (1979-82)
9. Lindsay Thompson (1982-85)
10. Trevor Pickering (1985-88)
11. Bryce Phillips (1988-90)
12. Bruce Shepherd (1990-93)
13. Brendan Nelson (1993-95)
14. David Weedon (1995-96)
15. Keith Woollard (1996-98)
16. David Brand (1998-2000)
17. Kerryn Phelps (2000-2003)
18. William Glasson (2003-2005)
19. Mukesh Haikerwal (2005-2007)
20. Rosanna Capolingua (2007-

Vice-Presidents of the Association

1. Angus Murray (1962-1964)
2. Clarence Rieger (1964-1967)
3. Roderick Macdonald (1967-1970)
4. Gavin Johnson (1970-1972)
5. Keith Jones (1972-1973)
6. James Magarey (1973-1976)
7. Lionel Wilson (1976-1979)
8. Harold Thompson (1979-1982)
9. Trevor Pickering (1982-1985)
10. Frederick Phillips (1985-1988)
11. Bruce Shepherd (1988-1990)
12. Michael Jones (1990-1991)
13. Brendan Nelson (1991-1993)
14. David Weedon (1993-1995)
15. Keith woollard (1995-1996)
16. David Brand (1996-1998)
17. Sandra Hacker (1998-2000)
18. Trevor Mudge (2000-2003)
19. Mukesh Haikerwal (2003-2005)
20. Choong-Siew Yong (2005-2007)
21. Gary Speck (2007-

Chairmen of Federal Assembly/Federal Council

1. Leonard Mallen (1962-67)
2. Geoffrey Newman-Morris (1967-72)
3. Maurice Clarke (1972-77)
4. William Murray Maxwell (1977-79)
5. Ross Webster (1979-85)
6. David Formby (1985-88)
7. Clyde Scaife (1998-91)
8. Priscilla Kincaid-Smith (1991-95)
9. Peter Arnold (1995-99)
10. Roderick McRae (1999-2001)
11. Michael Sedgley (2001-2003)
12. Dana Wainwright (2003-

Treasurers of the Association

1. William Simmons (1962-63)
2. Roderick Macdonald (1963-67)
3. Gavin Johnson (1967-70)
4. Keith Jones (1970-72)
5. Lionel Wilson (1972-76)
6. Lindsay Thompson (1976-79)
7. David Formby (1979-80)
8. Trevor Pickering (1980-82)
9. Bryce Phillips (1982-85)
10. Godfrey Douglas (1985-88)
11. Rod Morris (1988-90)
12. Ross Glasson (1990-96)
13. Peter Beaumont (1996)
14. Ross Glasson (1996-97)
15. Stephen Phillips (1997-2000)
16. Allan Zimet (2000-2005)
17. Rosanna Capolingua (2005-2007)
18. Samuel Lees (2007-

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