A toast to leadership

Passing the torch

It was billed as ‘the night of nights for South Australia’s doctors’, and those who attended the ‘Reimagine AMA SA Gala’ agreed it lived up to the hype.  

More than 200 people from all sections of the medical community gathered for the event at Adelaide’s SkyCity Ballroom on 28 June. South Australia’s Health Minister Chris Picton attended with representatives from general practice, the public and private hospital sectors, the state’s medical schools and its cultural and heritage-based medical organisations. 
 
The evening marked the official beginning of a new chapter in leadership for AMA SA, with Dr John Williams formally presenting the presidential reins to his successor, Associate Professor Peter Subramaniam.  

Looking to the future 

AMA SA Vice President for the past two years, A/Prof Subramaniam is a vascular surgeon working in private practice and the public hospital system. He begins his term with the support of incoming Vice President and Adelaide anaesthetist Dr Louis Papilion.  

Addressing the gala audience, A/Prof Subramaniam outlined his presidential priorities, emphasising the AMA’s place in the medical profession and the community.  

‘Louis and I begin our term with optimism and a sense of urgency,’ A/Prof Subramaniam told guests. 

‘The next 12 months are critical – not just because of the upcoming state election, but because the long-term sustainability of the South Australian health system depends on making the right decisions today, across a range of issues that will impact the future. 

‘The AMA has a responsibility to shape the system – to shape good policy, to help shape the culture of our hospitals, and, most importantly, to shape the trust of our community in our doctors and our health system. 

‘We will work constructively with others, even when we do not agree; we will seek evidence when we cannot see it; we will challenge the system when it needs challenging; and we will always support our patients when they need supporting.’ 
While outlining his vision for the future, A/Prof Subramaniam also reflected on the past, sharing poignant aspects of his personal history.  

‘The professional journey of this Malaysian born, ethnic Sri Lankan Tamil, cricket-loving, Marcus Bontempelli-worshipping, Western Bulldogs fanatic would not have been possible without the extraordinary sacrifices of my late parents, Maniam and Esme,’ A/Prof Subramaniam said. 

‘Forty-four years ago, they made the difficult and courageous decision to send me to Australia to study – a decision that carried emotional and financial cost. It was a decision rooted in faith and belief in a better future for their son.’ 

A/Prof Subramaniam thanked Dr Williams for his ‘thoughtful and respectful focus’ on advocacy and his commitment to ensuring members’ voices were heard in the ‘debates that matter’.  

He told guests that being AMA SA President is both a privilege and a responsibility. 

‘The privilege is the opportunity to serve. And the responsibility is to perform that service well. I thank you for the privilege of serving as your president and it is my hope that I will serve you well.’ 

A fond farewell 

In his farewell speech, Dr Williams reflected on his two years at the helm of AMA SA, describing the role as an honour ‘and a very steep learning curve’. 

‘When I stood on the stage two years ago, I said that as President, I wanted to be a voice for all our members. I have strived to be that voice,’ he told gala guests. 

‘Our membership covers so many areas … We are independent thinkers with an abundance of opinions and ideas. But when talking about patients and their health, we are united.’ 

Dr Williams thanked AMA SA staff and volunteers, including members of AMA SA and its committees, for their work and contributions. He also acknowledged CEO Nicole Sykes for establishing the organisation’s strategic plan and strengthening its governance.  

The final words of his speech were dedicated to the new leadership team. 

‘My best wishes go to Peter and Louis as they begin their terms,’ Dr Williams said. ‘I hope you will all join me in supporting them, every step of the way.’ 

Doctors of distinction

The ‘Reimagine AMA SA Gala’ provided a special moment to honour three highly respected, talented and dedicated members of the AMA SA community.

Dr Bridget Sawyer – AMA SA President’s Award

Dr John Williams selected Dr Bridget Sawyer as the recipient of the 2025 President’s Award, recognising her exceptional contributions to the organisation’s mission and leadership.

Addressing the gala audience, Dr Williams praised Dr Sawyer as a long-standing ambassador and advocate for the AMA, general practice and evidence-based care, both in South Australia and nationally. 

‘In roles on state and federal AMA councils and committees Bridget devoted her time, attention, considerable expertise and patience and good humour to supporting AMA objectives. In doing so, she helped improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians,’ Dr Williams said.

A letter from the President also included congratulations from AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen, who thanked Dr Sawyer for her ‘contributions to positions on “cradle to grave medicine”, aged care and sports medicine, among other special interests, over many years’.

Dr Hayden Cain – AMA SA Rising Star Award

The inaugural Rising Star Award was presented to the former chair of AMA SA’s Doctors in Training (DiT) Committee, Dr Hayden Cain.

Dr Williams told attendees that the award was established this year to recognise doctors who show exceptional promise, innovation, or leadership early in their careers.

‘Hayden brings an infectious energy to everything he does,’ Dr Williams said. 

‘His enthusiasm, humour, and authenticity have made him a standout presence among his peers and a powerful advocate for change.’ 

‘We look forward to watching him address the challenges of our profession with confidence, creative thinking and empathy.’

Dr Tom Turner – AMA SA Outstanding Achievement Award

The late Dr Tom Turner was posthumously recognised with the Outstanding Achievement Award, which celebrates members who have consistently gone above and beyond the ordinary standard of service and set a strong positive example. 

Dr Turner died on 10 September 2024 after nearly a decade as a member of the AMA SA History Committee. In a special tribute, his wife Jan was presented with his award at the AMA SA President’s Breakfast on 29 November 2024. Mrs Turner also attended the gala and heard Dr Williams and the audience acknowledge her husband’s legacy. 

‘Dr Turner played a vital role in producing the book Heroism, Humanity and Sacrifice, which documented the service of British Medical Association (BMA) and AMA members in wars,’ Dr Williams said.

‘This project eventually led to Tom leading the development of a remarkably comprehensive public website detailing the history of the BMA and AMA SA, including a virtual museum of medical and surgical artefacts he curated. 

‘It is a wonderful legacy, and we hope this award in some way recognises Tom’s contribution, service and commitment to our organisation and our profession.’
 

In the spotlight

Beyond the formalities, the AMA SA gala offered medical professionals and colleagues an opportunity to relax and unwind outside the confines of their often-stressful clinical settings.  

Adelaide-based musical group ‘Gospo Collective’ set the party tone with powerhouse vocals and a saxophone-infused DJ set. Off the dance floor, guests posed for photos at the ‘GIF booth’ and tried their luck at the Wine Direct wine wall, where the top prize was a $550 bottle of 2018 Kilikanoon Revelation Shiraz. 

CEO Nicole Sykes thanked the gala and AMA SA partners that contributed to the success of the evening, including Radiology SA, Adelaide Vascular, Avant, Wakefield Orthopaedic Clinic, Miga, Jones Radiology, the University of Adelaide, Hood Sweeney, Norman Waterhouse, Financia, FRP Capital, MDA National and Wine Direct. 

AMA SA was also pleased to support the Medical Benevolent Association of South Australia as our selected 
charity partner.

*Photographer: Matthew Kroker