History and Awards

Acknowledging those bettering the health of Australians

 

History

Branches of the British Medical Association were formed in Australia in the late nineteenth century onwards.  Before the formation of Australia's specialist Colleges, the Branches held regular meetings to discuss medical developments and unusual cases.

The BMA Branches formally merged into the Australian Medical Association in 1962.

Past Presidents

1911 : G. Sprott
1912 : G. Sprott
1913 : F. Allwork
1914 : G.H. Hogg
1915 : R.G. Scott
1916 : G.E. Clemons
1917 : B.A. Anderson
1918 : D.H.E. Lines
1919 : W.W. Giblin
1920 : J. Sprent
1921 : R.G. Scott
1922 : G.H. Hogg
1923 : G. Sprott
1924 : G.E. Clemons
1925 : J. Ramsay
1926 : E.B. Moore
1927 : G. H. Hogg
1928 : D.H.E. Lines
1929 : G.E. Clemons
1930 : T.C. Butler
1931 : J.A. Newell
1932 : F.W. Fay
1933 : W.K. McIntyre
1934 : W.E.L.H. Crowther
1935 : G.E. Clemons
1936 : E.B. Moore
1937 : A. Pryde
1938 : R. Wishaw
1939 : W.P.Holman
1940 : A.W. Shugg
1941 : C. Craig
1942 : W.E.L.H. Crowther
1943 : A. Pryde
1944 : B. Hiller
1945 : G.M.W. Clemons
1946 : T.H. Goddard
1947 : J.L. Grove
1948 : J.B. Hamilton
1949 : T.G.H. Hogg
1950 : S.G. Gibson
1951 : G.M.W. Clemons
1952 : T. Giblin
1953 : A. Pryde
1954 : J.B.G. Muir
1955 : W.K. McIntyr
1956 : A.O. Green
1957 : M.W. Fletcher
1958 : A.McL. Millar

1959 : L.H. Wilson
1960 : R.A. Lewis
1961 : H.J.C. Engisch
1962 : W.W. Wilson
1963 : H.M. Fisher
1964 : K.J. Friend
1965 : R. Wall
1966 : C.W. Clarke
1967 : H.B. Gatenby
1968 : K.M. Kelly
1969 : L.N. Gollan
1970 : F.R.Fay
1971 : D.B. Nathan
1972 : J.F. Correy
1973 : D.A. Tilsley
1974 : P.F. Gill
1975 : D.A.T. Farrar
1976 : W. McL. Thomson
1977 : J.C.H. Morris
1978 : J.McL. Hunn
1979 : A.H. Woodhall
1980 : D.J. Walters
1981 : R. Edmond
1982 : T.S. Kirkland
1983 : J.R. Lauder
1984 : D.D.E. Evans
1985 : J. McP. Cartledge
1986 : J.R. Grove
1987 : R.W. Macintyre Smith
1988 : C.J. Castellino
1989 : M.J.H. Hodgson
1990 - 1991 : B.J. Nelson
1992 - 1993 : M. Cook
1994 - 1995 : P.T. Sexton
1996 - 1998 : R.M. Lowenthal
1998 - 2000 : B.G. Walpole
2000 - 2003 : J.A. Davis
2003 - 2004 : A.J. Lawler
2004 - 2007 : M.G. Aizen
2007 - 2008 : E.H. Walters
2008 - 2010 : C. Middleton
2010 - 2011 : M. G. Aizen
2011 - 2014 : J.A. Davis
2014 - 2016 : T. M. Greenaway
2016 - 2018 : S. Day
2018 - 2019 : J. A. Davis

2019 - 2020 : J. Burgess
2020 - 2022 : H. McArdle
2022 - 2024 : J. Saul
2024 - M Lumsden Steel

The Roll of Fellows of AMA Tasmania

1963 F.R. Fay, L.N. Gollan, K.M. Kelly, J.B.G. Muir
1964 C. Craig, F.W. Fay, B.Hillier
1965 T. Giblin, J.L. Grove, A. McL. Miller
1966 W.W. Wilson
1967 K.J. Friend, R.A. Lewis
1968 R. Wall
1969 W. McL. Thomson
1970 J.F. Correy
1975 P.F. Gill
1977 J. McL. Hunn, D.J. Walters
1982 J.C.H. Morris, D.A. Tilsley
1983 J. McP. Cartledge
1984 D.D.E. Evans
1989 P.J. Beaumont, R. Edmond
1990 C.J. Castellino
1991 M.J.H. Hodgson, G.N. Flaherty
1992 B.G. Walpole
1993 M. Cook
1994 R.A. Pargiter
1995 B.J. Nelson, F. Cook
1996 J.M.B. Wane
2002 P.T. Sexton
2003 J.R. Davis, R.I. Walker
2007 M.R.J. Claxton
2008 R.M. Lowenthal
2009 C. Middleton
2010 M.G. Aizen
2017 T. Greenaway
2020 A. Wilson
2020 D. Rose
2020 H. McArdle
2020 S. Day
2021 Prof J Burgess
2022 A. Mulcahy
2023 D.Owens

 

Past Honourary Medical Secretaries

BMA

  • 1949 - 1955    F.R. Fay
  • 1956 - 1956    J. Dobson
  • 1957 - 1963    K.M. Kelly

AMA

  • 1963 - 1965 : J.D.H. Muir
  • 1965 - 1974 : W. McL. Thomson
  • 1974 - 1983 : J. McP. Cartledge
  • 1984 - 1987 : P.J. Beaumont
  • 1987 - 1991 : B.G. Walpole
  • 1991 - 1994 : P.T. Sexton
  • 1994 - 1998 : D.J.W. Law
  • 1998 - 2003 : R.I. Walker
  • 2003 - 2004 : D.R. Cooke
  • 2004 - 2005 : M.J. Mackinnon
  • 2005 - 2007 : C. Middleton
  • 2007 - 2010 : R. M. Lowenthal
  • 2010 - 2017 : D. Rose
  • 2017 - 2019 : D. Aras
  • 2019 - :2020: S. Fletcher
  • 2020 - 2022:  K. Lindemann
  • 2022 - 2023:  J. Misson
  • 2023 - 2024:  K. Lindemann

Student Awards

There are two Student Awards being the Australian Medical Association (Tasmanian Branch) Prize and the AMA Elective Award, both are selected by the University of Tasmania and funded by the AMA.

Australian Medical Association (Tasmania Branch) Prize (M03)

Criteria:  Student who, at first attempt passes all the units of the final year examinations of the course for the degrees of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and who obtains the highest aggregate mark over these examinations.

Current Value:  $300.00

Prize Title –  Australian Medical Association (Tasmania Branch) Prize - M03

Prize Value – $300 and a Diploma

Recipient – 

2023 - Riasha Chowdhury

2022 - Jennifer Moore

2021 - Niamh Crocker

2020 - Bridget Williams

2019 - Samuel Rigby

2018 - Georgia Mohler

2017 - Samuel Hunn

2016 - Dominic Maher-Pyrke

2015 - Francesca Cobden-Watts

2014 - Clinton Ellis

2013 - Timothy Andrewartha

2012 - Anna Ridgers 

2011 - Julia Lachowicz

2010 - Kenneth Hoffman 

2009 - Kelly Verdouw

2008 - Matthew James Fassett

2007 - Gina Maree Rowlings

2006 - Blair Owen Jozef Adamczewski

2005 - Nadia Patel

(There was no 2004 recipient)

2003 - Nadine Flanagan

2002 - Anthea Lea Goodman

2001 - Alexander William Hewitt

2000 - Chantel Mary Thornton

1999 - Jean Margaret Möller

1998 - Jonny Wu

1997 - Alison Chandler

1996 - Joyce Lim

1995 - John Lewis

The AMA Elective Award (M31)

Criteria:  Successful completion of fifth year proceeding to Elective term (selection on the basis of proven financial need and quality of submission).

Current Value:  $500.00

2022 - Olivia Chell

There was no 2021 recipient

2020 - Emily Scott

2019 - Samuel Lie

2018 - Georgia Roberts and Eloise Roffe

2017 - Heather Tan

2016 - Gemma Dwyer

2015 - Isabel Di Tomasso

2014 - Michael Wu

2013 - Erica Darian-Smith

(There was no 2012 recipient)

2011 - Carli Armstrong

2010 - Ingrid Smethurst

2009 - Chrisovalantis Tsimiklis

(There was no 2008 recipient)

2007 - Thomas Volkman

2006 - Yet Hong Khor

2005 - Tanya Thiraviam Francis

2004 - Ngaire Warner

2003 - Theresa Naidoo

2002 - Bridgette Watts

2001 - Sacha Roshan Ruberu

2000 - Alexander William Hewitt

1999 - Jeremy Anthon Charles Richardson

1998 - Adele Burgess

1997 - Lindsay Watson and Malcolm Barnes

1996 - Tricia Saurine and Gillian Wilkinson

1995 - Mr C Allen

The Presidents Award (AMA Tasmania)

The Presidents Award is made to members of the AMA who have made an outstanding contribution at a state level and therefore may not qualify for a Fellowship within the AMA. The award is made at the discretion of the President of the AMA in Tasmania.

Presented in 2024

Dr Glenn Richardson

Glenn is a quiet yet formidable champion for general practice, with an illustrious tenure spanning nearly two decades as Chair of the Northern Division. His leadership extends beyond regional boundaries, serving as Chair of State Council and as an ex officio member on the AMA Tasmania Board. Despite his reluctance for the limelight, Glenns dedication to advancing general practice is unmistakable, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike. Beyond the realm of medicine, his passion for cricket shines brightly as he proudly represents Australia on the national over-60s cricket team. Describing the opportunity as "a boy's own annual dream come true," he epitomises the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship on and off the cricket field. As a general practitioner Glenn exhibits a steadfast commitment to excellence and service and his dedication to his patients and his profession remains unwavering and exemplify the qualities of a true leader and a deserving recipient of the AMA Tasmania President Award.

Dr Stuart Day

Stuart is the embodiment of dedication and commitment within our Association, a stalwart member for twenty-four years, serving in pivotal roles such as President of AMA Tasmania from 2016 to 2018 and holding seats on both State and Federal Councils for many years. His tireless efforts in representing doctors' industrial interests, both within the AMA and as President of the TSMPS (ASMOF Tasmania) and Federal Secretary/Treasurer of ASMOF, have been instrumental. Stuart's intelligence, confidence, and willingness to offer astute advice, particularly to younger doctors, have earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues. Known for his collaborative spirit, soft spoken nature, and positive attitude, he is equally cherished by peers and patients alike. Patients benefit from his easy-going bedside manner and his ability to simplify complex concepts. His continued active involvement in the AMA and his generous support of fellow members reflect his unwavering commitment to the medical community. Stuart's exceptional service and leadership make him a highly deserving recipient of the AMA Tasmania Presidents Award for 2023. Outside of his contributions to AMA Tasmania, Stuart remains actively engaged in the Australian Society of Anaesthetists and the Tasmanian Regional Committee of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, further exemplifying his dedication to advancing the field of anaesthesiology.

Presented in 2023

Dr Clare Smith

Dr Smith was awarded a President’s medal for her dedication to general practice, her focus on patients with intellectual disabilities, mental health and special needs, as well as her robust approach to the health impacts of climate change.

Dr Anne Wilson

Dr Wilson was awarded a President’s medal for her high level of service and dedication to the AMA over many years serving on Federal Council and Tasmanian committees. She has provided decades of service to general practices and is a strong advocate for the care of the elderly and a strong contributor to vaccination policy. 

Presented in 2022

Dr Cathy Broun

Catherine has been a long term member of the North West Division, kept over sight of the finances and was an important part of the rebirth of the North West Division.

Dr Andrew Jackson

Andrew has been member since 1984 (38 years) and a stalwart of the Northern Division.  He has contributed significantly to State Council and the Board, was Treasurer for about a decade, and helped enormously through his business and finance skills. 

Presented in 2020

Professor John Burgess

Endocrinologist. Strong focus on medical education and preventative health. Social determinants of health. Dedicated AMA committee member. Current member of State Council. Showed strong leadership during COVID crisis. Diligently and determinedly held the government to account. AMA Member for over 30 years. Was Vice President – May 2018 from April 2019. Was President - April 2019 through to June 2020 

Dr Annette Barratt

A General Practitioner in Bridgewater for nearly 30 years. Focus on obstetrics, women’s health, family health, sexual health, forensic examiner. Current GPLO for the South. After Hour Doctors Service. Currently providing medical support for quarantine repatriated Australians and seasonal workers. Casual tutor. She is a dedicated mum, grandmother, singer and enjoys the arts. AMA Member for nearly 25 years. Current AMA Federal Area Representative. Current Chairperson of Southern Division since 2018. Was Chair of State Council (September 2018 – September 2020)

Presented in 2019

Dr Philip (William) Thomson

A Tasmanian graduate who has committed a large part of his GP career to Tasmania in rural and urban practice. He has been the mainstay of the ‘Doctors’ Help Line’, helping to organise volunteers to staff the service as well as providing his own services. He has also established the Collection of Medical Artefacts (COMA) and took on the AMA’s collection, thus preserving much of our medical history for future generations. As a former recipient of a Churchill scholarship, he has served as President of the Churchill Fellows Association of Tasmania. Now retired, he continues to give to the medical and wider community.

Presented in 2018

Dr Richard Benjamin

Psychiatrist and acting as a representative of the AMA highlighted the lack of leadership and communication between the THS executive and local hospital staff when drafting a 300-page submission to the 2017 Parliamentary Inquiry into Acute Health Services regarding the proposed acute mental health observation unit. This was one of many substantial contributions to the mental health sector. Dr Benjamin’s campaigning to the Minister and Upper house inquiries have resulted in an election promise by the Government for ten new and extra acute mental health beds as well as the Government abandoning the Mental Health Observation Unit plan in the Hobart DEM

Dr Frank Nicklason

A member of the AMA but also Chair of the RHH Medical Staff Association Dr Frank Nicklason provided a complementary and assertive advocacy role in the debate about bed numbers and patient flow at the Royal. His strong arguments and clinical input saw major changes to the daily operations and efficiencies in several areas.

Presented in 2017

 Not awarded

Presented in 2016

Not awarded

Presented in 2015

Dr Peter Sharman

was recognised for the work he did in forming the AMA Workers Compensation Sub Committee and the AMA Insurers Forum to lobby for improvements in the Workers Compensation

Presented in 2014

Dr. Robert Walker

for his efforts in the restructuring of the AMA in 2009, as Treasurer he was responsible for the initial work in restoring the AMA office finances, installing systems and personnel to ensure good governance and robust review of all operations, therefore future proofing the organisation.

Presented in 2013

Dr. Michael Lumsden-Steel 

was presented with the "Presidents Award" by Dr John Davis at the AGM on Saturday the 27th April 2013 for his efforts in industrial relations and membership recruitment. During this time he completely rewrote the Salaried Medical Practitioners Award, led the negotiations and was the leading medical presenter at the Industrial Commission hearings during 2012,13 and 14.

Presented in 2012

Dr. Chris Middleton 

was presented with the "Presidents Award" on Friday the 15th June 2012 at the 50th AMA Anniversary Dinner, for services to the AMA in Tasmania. During his time as president, he restored the AMA from a difficult period in both financial and membership terms.

Dr. Andrew Jackson 

received the "Presidents Award" from Dr John Davis at the AGM on the 16th June 2012. A long service Treasurer of the AMA Dr Jackson has worked tirelessly to ensure good governance, accurate and understandable financial reporting and systems that assisted the recovery of the AMA from hard times.  

Presented in 2011

Dr. Don Rose:

 for services to the AMA at Branch Council level and within the Northern Division. Dr Rose has been a long standing member of Branch Council, the Northern Division and now the Board. He has been a constant and insightful voice for general practice and many issues.

Prof. Alan Carmichael:

 for services to the Medical School of Tasmania and the AMA. Prof Carmichael was Dean of the Medical School for 14 years. Prof Carmichael was a long term member of the AMA and maintained strong ties between the two organisations.

The Community Service Award (AMA Tasmania Branch)

At its meeting in March 1996, the Branch Council of the Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Medical Association resolved that it would establish an AMA Community Service Medal which would be available as from 1997 and would be awarded to individuals who were not members of the AMA, who were deemed by Branch Council to have given extraordinary service to the medical profession and the cause of medical practice within Tasmania. 

Presented in 2024

Hon. Lara Giddings AO

Tonight, on the precipice once again of an exciting transformation for our association, we would like to take this opportunity to honour Lara, former Premier of Tasmania, and since 2019 the Chief Executive Officer of the Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Medical Association, with a fitting and rarely awarded AMA Tasmania Community Service Award for her exceptional contributions to the medical profession and the broader health care environment of Tasmania. Lara's leadership and dedication have been remarkable, driving positive change and advocating tirelessly for improved healthcare access and support for all Tasmanians. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing the healthcare system has significantly impacted countless individuals across the state. From her tenure in parliament, where she spearheaded crucial reforms in the health sector, to her current role as our CEO of AMA Tasmania, Lara has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities of the healthcare system and a genuine passion for serving the community. Her forward-thinking leadership and empathetic approach have not only garnered respect but also deep admiration from colleagues, members, and constituents alike. Congratulations, Lara, on this well-deserved recognition of your outstanding contributions to the medical profession and the community of Tasmania.

Presented in 2021

Dr Julie Graham

Presented in 2004

Hon. Doug Lowe

The Community Service Award was presented to the Hon. Doug Lowe on the 22nd May 2004 by the President Dr. Tony Lawler at the Branch Council Meeting held at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk. 

Doug was Executive Officer/CEO of the Tasmanian Branch of the AMA for 12 years retiring after a most successful period in 2004. 

He specialised in working with the ASMOF and TSMPS for salaried doctors, overseeing some great changes in the working conditions and pay arrangements for doctors in the public sector.

Presented in 1997

Mrs. Mary Piles

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