The AMA’s outgoing President and voice of calm during the pandemic receives special citation
AMA Board Chair, Rosanna Capolingua presented outgoing President Dr Omar Khorshid with a Citation for Exceptional Leadership of the Medical Profession at the AMA’s gala dinner in Sydney last night.
Dr Capolingua presented the citation in recognition of Dr Khorshid’s exemplary leadership on behalf of Australia’s medical profession during the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am so pleased to be able to present this special Citation to Dr Khorshid, who on Sunday finishes his two-year term as president and what a two years it has been,” Dr Capolingua said.
“Dr Khorshid was elected AMA president during the first peak of the pandemic and quickly became the voice of reason, of calm and of urgency when needed — lobbying government, and fronting the media, along with hard-working vice president Dr Chris Moy, to send clear messages about the pandemic.
“His leadership was particularly critical during the early stages when there was no vaccine, and the focus was on implementing effective public health measures to ensure the safety of the community and healthcare workers.
“Dr Khorshid has earned the respect of the nation and his peers for his ethical, intelligent and tireless leadership, calling for public health not politics to drive the nation’s response.”
Dr Capolingua said that despite the pressures of the pandemic Dr Khorshid had also led a reform agenda which led to a greater understanding by governments of the pressures the public hospital system has faced and continues to face.
The AMA’s National Conference is a COVID-safe event with masks provided to attendees each day. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks during the event. National Conference is a ‘hybrid’ event allowing speakers and attendees to participate remotely as well as in-person.
AMA delegates will elect a new President and Vice President in a delegate only session tomorrow with the results announced to media that afternoon.
