Celebrating Excellence at AMA25: AMA Awards recognise outstanding contributions to healthcare
One of the highlights of our national conference were the many amazing awards recognising the exceptional achievements, leadership, and dedication of our members across the medical profession. From pioneering research to transformative patient care, these recipients exemplify the very best of Australian medicine.
Women in Medical Leadership Award recipients Dr Kim Loo and Dr Pramudie Gunaratne were honoured for their exceptional leadership. Dr Loo, a Sydney-based GP, has shown remarkable dedication to addressing climate change's health impacts, whilst Dr Gunaratne has transformed mental healthcare across NSW, advocating for stronger public mental health systems amid workforce shortages.
The Women's Health Award was presented to Dr Dominic Edwards for his transformative work advancing women's healthcare globally. From volunteer work in Uganda and Cambodia to policy development and clinical mentoring, his dedication to respectful, comprehensive care has empowered communities and inspired the profession.
Adjunct Professor Tony Rahman received the Excellence in Healthcare Award for his commitment to helping homeless people, refugees, and vulnerable populations access healthcare. His leadership combines clinical excellence in gastroenterology with compassionate outreach to marginalised communities.
Dr Rebecca Healey was honoured with the Diversity in Medicine Award for groundbreaking research on international medical graduates. Her work has illuminated challenges faced by internationally-trained doctors, driving important conversations about systemic barriers and discrimination in Australian healthcare.
The Doctor in Training of the Year Award went to Dr Marrwah Ahmadzai for her outstanding work in women's healthcare and culturally safe care. Dr Ahmadzai led the ACT's first public antenatal education program for women with limited English proficiency and has been a passionate advocate for anti-racist medicine, demonstrating that doctors in training can make significant impacts through dedicated advocacy and leadership.
The President's Award went to Dr Rajeshwary (Raji) Krishnan for her extraordinary contributions to vulnerable populations. Leading a multidisciplinary team at Pramana Medical Centre in Perth, she provides wraparound care to over 6,500 patients — 65 per cent First Nations people — exemplifying holistic, barrier-free healthcare.
Finally our top award, the AMA Gold Medal Award was presented to former AMA Presidents Dr Tony Bartone and Dr Omar Khorshid, recognising their exemplary leadership during the COVID-19 crisis. Both leaders guided the profession through Australia's worst health crisis in 100 years, with Dr Bartone securing crucial federal health packages and telehealth reforms, whilst Dr Khorshid launched transformative campaigns and the AMA’s first Vision for Australia’s Health.