A new era begins: Announcing AMA SA's new President and Vice President
AMA SA has a new leadership team following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 22nd May. Former Vice President A/Prof Peter Subramaniam, a vascular surgeon working in private practice and the public hospital system, was appointed as AMA SA’s President. Adelaide anaesthetist Dr Louis Papilion is the new Vice President.
A/Prof Subramaniam says he hopes to lead a united organisation that continues to provide a voice for the state’s doctors and their patients.
He says he will advocate for structures and strategies that support a sustainable health workforce that is equipped to meet the increasingly complex and needs of South Australia’s growing population.
‘Doctors are the backbone of the public and private medical workforce. Well-supported doctors mean a strong, resilient healthcare system for all patients,’ A/Prof Subramaniam says.
‘Doctors have always stood up for their patients. As AMA SA President, I will stand up for them. Backing doctors is backing safe care.’
Dr Papilion joined AMA SA Council in 2022.
‘The medical profession is facing complex challenges including workforce pressures, system sustainability and the wellbeing of our colleagues,’ Dr Papilion says.
‘To address critical issues such as elective surgery waiting times, ambulance ramping and the wellbeing of our colleagues, we must urgently strengthen and support general practice.’
A/Prof Subramaniam has thanked Immediate Past President Dr John Williams for his commitment to strengthening the health workforce and advocating for better access to care for patients.
‘John has brought increased awareness of the challenges facing all doctors, but particularly general practitioners (GPs) and those working in rural and remote areas,’ he says.
It is usual for the AMA SA President and Vice President to remain in their roles for two one-year terms. A/Prof Subramaniam and Dr Papilion said an early focus of their terms will be ensuring that the commendations of the Access to Care Round Table on 9 May lead to proposals to improve care for South Australians across the state.
A/Prof Subramaniam will introduce himself and his vision for AMA SA in next week’s Pulse.
The Council has also introduced eight new members: gynaecologist Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison, physician Dr Chelsea Patterson, public hospital doctors Dr Jayanthi Jayakaran and Dr Chetan Pradhan, GP Dr Mark Ralfe, paediatrician Dr Gillian Watterson, pathologist Dr Kathryn Harvey, and spinal surgeon and IMG Dr Simon Clark.
AMA SA thanks the councillors whose terms on Council have come to an end, some after many years of dedicated service, including former AMA Vice President and AMA SA President Dr Chris Moy, outgoing Immediate Past President Dr Michelle Atchison, Dr Shriram Nath, Dr Andrew Russell and Prof Tarun Bastiampillai.
Members can formally welcome the new team at the AMA SA Gala at the SkyCity Ballroom on 28 June.
