AMA President’s Update: Your Health Matters
11 Sep 2025
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen shares the latest updates for members and reminds healthcare professionals to prioritise their own wellbeing.
This year, RUOK Day is a timely reminder to check in with ourselves and each other, especially amid global tensions. Dr McMullen expressed her concern for colleagues in Nepal, where an upcoming CMAAO meeting has been postponed due to local unrest. She emphasised the importance of supporting each other in the medical community with kindness and respect.
The AMA continues to work with regulators and decision-makers to improve doctors’ wellbeing. If you are struggling, confidential support is available 24/7 through Drs4Drs, as well as Lifeline, Beyond Blue, or your GP. Reaching out early is key to maintaining mental health.
Key AMA activities this week included:
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Meeting with Monash University’s Advancing Women in Healthcare Leadership (AWHL) team to advance gender equity in medicine. The inaugural training course has reached capacity, with more opportunities planned.
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Discussing online health safety with Facebook’s Director of Policy for Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the need to address health misinformation and protect healthcare professionals’ reputations.
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Advocating for GP-led multidisciplinary teams and MBS reforms with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, including support for the ‘Thriving Kids’ program and early intervention in primary care.
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Continuing GP reform discussions through the Primary Care and Workforce Reviews Expert Panel to ensure meaningful changes in primary care design.
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Meeting with the Police Federation of Australia to address public health concerns, including domestic violence, mental health crisis teams, illicit tobacco, medicinal cannabis, and e-scooter injuries.
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Discussing national strategies to tackle illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes with the Commissioner, alongside ACOSH and Cancer Council Victoria, highlighting the need for multi-sector collaboration.
Dr McMullen is now back in clinic, focusing on patient care, and will provide further updates after the next AMA Federal Council meeting. She encouraged all members to stay well, support their patients, and look after colleagues.
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)
