President's update - AMA SA: What's in it for you
In his latest President’s update, Dr John Williams reflects on almost 30 years of AMA SA membership and gives an update on his rural tour.
I’ve been a member of AMA SA almost as long as I’ve been a doctor. I first joined in 1996, just three years after graduating from the University of Adelaide. In the almost three decades since, my career has taken me in many different directions, but one thing has remained constant: the support I’ve drawn from AMA SA.
In recent weeks you may have received an email from our team about renewing your membership. I wanted to take this opportunity to emphasise that we don’t take any of you for granted. Our members are the reason we exist and the driving force behind everything we do. Your contribution ensures we can continue to work with you to deliver the best outcomes for you and your patients.
No one is better equipped to represent your interests. AMA SA is the only organisation that works with and represents all South Australian doctors at all stages of your careers. We’re uniquely placed to influence decision-makers and give you access to the professional networks and tools you need to successfully practise medicine.
The value we provide is as diverse as our membership. For you the biggest benefit may be access to the AMA fees list, which gives doctors up-to-date costing guidance. Others will consider the most value lies in connecting with a community of like-minded professionals or in how we can help access legal, accounting and workplace advice.
Membership is tax-deductible - and if you work in the public system, you might be able to claim back your costs. Because our membership includes subscription to The Medical Journal of Australia, you can claim a reimbursement through your professional development allowance. Please contact our membership team at membership@amasa.org.au if you’d like to learn more.
As with any member organisation strength comes from numbers. We’re stronger together. Renew your membership here.
Rural tour gaining pace
If you follow my updates, you’ll know I’m in the midst of my rural tour across the state. The conversations I’m having along the way are giving me a deeper understanding of the pressure points on our health system.
On Friday 8 November I’ll visit Kangaroo Island, a region that faces distinctive challenges due to its geographical separation from the rest of South Australia. I’m eager to learn more about how local doctors navigate those obstacles while ensuring consistent delivery of quality care.
The following week my rural tour is heading to my home base – Port Lincoln. Although I regularly interact with other local doctors on the Eyre Peninsula, there’s not always time for big-picture conversations about the state of health in our region. I look forward to sitting down over a meal and a glass of wine to have a chat and share insights.
Please join me at Boston Bay Wines in Port Lincoln at 6.15pm on Thursday 14th November. I’d love to see you there.