AMA Vice President Elect Dr Sarah Whitelaw and
AMA President Elect Dr Michael Bonning.
Accepting the award, Dr Drake-Brockman emphasised that meaningful change requires collective action across the profession and broader community.
“I’m grateful to the AMA for this recognition, and to my many colleagues and fellow advocates who are working to ensure healthcare in Australia is safe and welcoming for everybody,” they said.
“We know parts of our community and our profession face historical and ongoing discrimination in healthcare settings. This includes women, LGBTQIA+ people, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and racially marginalised backgrounds, and migrants. To change this requires the collective effort of individuals, our profession, institutions, and governments.”
Dr Drake-Brockman added that equitable healthcare and respectful workplaces should be fundamental expectations for all Australians.
Dr Bonning, a former President of AMA NSW with extensive experience in clinical practice, health policy and medical leadership, said he was honoured to have been elected.
“My greatest focus is on communicating with members and doctors across the country, in person, online and social media, to hear from them and turn their experiences into actionable policy and advocacy,” he said.
Dr Whitelaw, an AMA Federal Councillor and former Vice President of AMA Victoria, said she was honoured to be elected to the leadership team of AMA.
Dr Bonning and Dr Whitelaw will commence their terms on 2 November.
