From the CEO

Iam so pleased to be joining the AMA at such a pivotal time, when the complexities of our health system demand commitment, expertise and collaboration from doctors to safely care for the needs of the South Australian community. Together, AMA(SA) and our members, particularly those volunteering and representing our wider membership group in advocacy and policy formation, play a crucial role in supporting all doctors to provide quality medical services.

I would like to thank our President, Dr John Williams, our staff, the Board, Council, and committee members for their warm welcome and support as I become familiar with the association at state and federal levels.

Over the past 12 weeks, I’ve gained real insight into how much work is done by

AMA(SA) and our federal and interstate colleagues, much of it behind the scenes. Our current work relates to:

• negotiating rural contracts and advocating for the single employer model

• eradicating bullying and harassment and building inclusive workplaces

• advocating for improvements to policies and systems within health and aged care system that currently contribute to ramping and hospital logjams

• planning the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital deliver value to our membership when much of the work being done delivers value for the entire medical profession.

• reducing the impact of the health system on climate change, and climate change on health. And, of course, payroll tax.

What have you learned in the first 100 days?

Collaboration is key! Leveraging the amazing work being performed behind the scenes by dedicated staff, medical volunteers in all career stages, from medical students through to retired doctors, together with connecting with appropriate industry bodies assists in influencing positive change and better health outcomes.

What’s next, for 2023 and 2024 and beyond?

The previous president Dr Michelle Atkinson and CEO Dr Samantha Mead have led AMA(SA) admirably through some challenging times. The energy to respond to COVID has tested many health organisations and the AMA(SA) has not been immune to this. The AMA(SA) team worked hard to navigate this period so with a new lens as incoming President and CEO, I hope we add value as we continue to plan and implement ways to collaborate with our membership as our core focus.

We are about to undertake a strategic review on what the future AMA(SA) looks like. We are gathering information about our members’ needs and how we can meet those requirements at all stages of their careers. In the coming weeks I will be distributing a survey about these issues and I encourage all doctors to submit ideas, or contact the AMA(SA) office. I am looking forward to working with members to set achievable goals to ensure AMA(SA) continues to evolve, so it remains a useful platform for all doctors, today and in the future.

If you have any ideas or concerns please contact me at nsykes@amasa.org.au. I look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible over the next few months and will be listening and learning to form the foundation of our future.