President’s update – Celebrating collaboration, legacy and the future of medicine
In his latest President’s Update, Associate Professor Peter Subramaniam reflects on a week of milestones – from thanking AMA SA volunteers and engaging with health leaders at the Presidents’ Breakfast, to honouring Life Members and welcoming new graduates. He also provides an update on his recent visit to the Riverland – a region with a critical shortage of GPs.
It was an honour to welcome colleagues and friends to the Presidents’ Breakfast at Plant 3 Bowden last Friday. Immediate Past President Dr John Williams and I were honoured that the AMA’s national President, Dr Danielle McMullen, took the time to travel to Adelaide specifically to attend this annual event.
The Breakfast is an opportunity to thank the many people who work with AMA SA throughout the year, especially the volunteers on our Board, Council and committees who devote their time and share their expertise to strengthen our organisation. These doctors enable us to fully represent the doctors AMA SA serves and to amplify our advocacy in the areas that matter most.
The event is also a chance to acknowledge the politicians and healthcare leaders who engage with us so constructively throughout the year. I extend my thanks to Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton and the Chair of the Select Committee on Health Services, the Hon Connie Bonaros MLC, for attending.
As I told guests, AMA SA looks forward to continuing that engagement with all sides of politics, directly and through the media, in the lead-up to the state election. The AMA has never doubted the motives or intentions of those who must make the many and often difficult decisions that shape health policy for our state. Our role is to ensure those intentions and policies are translated into outcomes that make a real difference for our colleagues and patients, and for a viable health system.
Just as doctors are accountable to their patients, we must also hold to account those who manage our health system – and those who aspire to lead it.
Life of service
One of the highlights of the Breakfast was honouring AMA SA’s newest Life Members: Dr Gilars (Gil) Blicavs, Dr William (Bill) Britten-Jones, Dr James Kosti, Dr Stewart Martin, Professor Alexander (Sandy) McFarlane, Dr Mark Nicolls, Dr Roman Nowosilskyj, Associate Professor David Rosenthal, Dr David Siang Lim Sim, Dr Richard Worthington, Dr Neil Gehan and Dr Lawrence Williams.
Each of these doctors exemplifies the very best of our profession. I thank those who could attend, and their absent colleagues, for their many years of service to their patients, the AMA, and the medical community. Our organisation is stronger because of their contributions.
The next generation
As we celebrate the remarkable contributions of our newest Life Members, it’s inspiring to see the path they and others have carved for the next generation: South Australia’s newest medical graduates.
I was honoured to be asked by the Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, the Hon. Catherine Branson, to deliver the occasional address at the University of Adelaide Medical Student Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday at Bonython Hold. I also presented the AMA SA Student Medal to newly ‘minted’ Dr Lauren Whitington.
This was the final Graduation Ceremony for the University of Adelaide Medical School as it transitions to become the new Adelaide University. I told the emerging doctors that their future would be defined beyond what they had achieved by completing their studies, but rather by the lives they will touch in the careers ahead.
Meeting and engaging with the Class of 2025, I am optimistic about the future of our profession. I wish them all the best as they commence this next chapter of their journey as doctors.
Making rural health a priority
Ahead of the election, I’m aiming to meet and speak with as many of you as possible. This, of course, includes regional doctors, and last night I had the opportunity to meet with GPs in the Riverland.
The Riverland, like much of regional South Australia, faces a critical shortage of GPs, with the latest figures showing there are between 68 and 78 full-time equivalent (FTE) GPs per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 113 FTE GPs per 100,000 people.
I heard from the local GPs how workforce shortages affect them, creating heavier workloads, increased risk of burnout and challenges in maintaining continuity of care. They also highlighted the consequences for patients, including reduced access to much-needed services, longer waiting times, and delays in receiving timely treatment close by in their communities. Crucially, we also discussed potential reforms and practical steps that can help address these challenges.
Discussions such as these are helping shape AMA SA’s election priorities, which we’ll present to politicians and the public to make rural healthcare a priority. I’ll share more details about our platform in the coming weeks.
Representing AMA SA
I was pleased to attend a series of significant events on behalf of AMA SA. These included the Palliative Care SA Ambulance Wish Fundraising Dinner, the 60th Anniversary of Kidney Transplantation Ball, the celebration of 100 years of Jones Radiology and the Doctors' Health SA Annual General Meeting. Each occasion highlighted the strength, commitment and collaboration within South Australia’s medical community, and it is a privilege for AMA SA to be present to support our partners and colleagues.
As always, I’d like to hear from you. Please email me at president@amasa.org.au.