“To be chosen for such a position is an honour, and a responsibility which I do not take lightly. The medical profession is facing some difficult challenges ahead; with more pressure on the public hospital system, staff shortages and a decline in general practitioners.

“AMA (NSW) will continue to lobby for better funding and staff support so doctors can continue to provide timely and quality patient care,” Dr Morton said.

AMA (NSW) Vice President is Dr Michael Steiner, who has served as AMA (NSW) Honorary Treasurer for four years. Dr Steiner is an ophthalmologist with over 30 years of practice in ophthalmic surgery.

“Rural doctors were ignored in the last federal budget, which was a major disappointment. Rural health is so important, and people in the country deserve the same health care as everyone else. AMA (NSW) will continue to support its rural doctor colleagues and lobby for more rural funding, support and training,” Dr Steiner said.

Dr Andrew Keegan, AMA (NSW) past president for the last two years, will continue to hold office as Chairman of AMA (NSW) Hospital Practice Committee. The other members of the AMA (NSW) Board are Dr Elizabeth Feeney, Honorary Treasurer; Dr Choong-Siew Yong, Chairman of Council; Dr Yusuf Bassa, Chairman of the Medical Practice Committee; Dr Pradnya Dugal and Dr Saxon Smith.