AMA (NSW)

07/02/2026

PRESS CLUB: Australia's health system is in urgent need of reform.
Politically expedient patchwork solutions are ineffective, and we continue to struggle under rising rates of chronic disease; access barriers; declining public hospital performance and a lack of long term visionary investment.
On April 15, AMA federal president Dr Danielle McMullen talks to the National Press Club in Canberra on what is needed.
For more information and tickets, please visit: https://npc.org.au/events/dr-danielle-mcmullen

06/02/2026

CONGRATULATIONS: AMA (NSW) member and former AMA (NSW) registrar of the year in 2022 Dr Mithila Zaheen has been named as a finalist in this year's NSW Women of the Year Awards.
Dr Zaheen, born in Bangladesh and now a cardiology advanced trainee in western Sydney, is one of four finalists in the Young Woman of the Year (aged 16 to 30) category.
She began her medical career during the pandemic, which upended her usual rotations and expectations of life as a doctor, but gave her a deep appreciation for what matters most – helping those in need.
Dr Zaheen’s parents and siblings are all doctors so a commitment to others runs deep.
She is completing a PhD on spontaneous coronary artery dissection while also volunteering with Street Side Medics, the Water Well Project, and local Aboriginal and refugee support programs, providing free healthcare and education to underserved groups.
Winners will be announced on March 5.

05/02/2026

PASSING IT ON: Former radiologist Dr Edward Oen is a life member of AMA (NSW), having joined us in 1961, after graduating from the University of Sydney.
He’s now 96 and still has sharp memories of spending his career at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital.
“Everything was so different. We spent our days developing x-ray films in wet darkrooms and we had to wear goggles for 10 minutes before screening to accommodate our eyes,” he says.
“In my generation, we never got to wear trendy clothes while working like they do now. We had to wear our white coats on duty.”
Edward’s son, Sydney Oen, and grandson, Dominic Oen, also work at Bankstown hospital – all connected by shared values, and a commitment to public health care.
“Equitable access to healthcare is a fundamental human right and south western Sydney is where that belief is lived out every day,” says Dominic.
With thanks to South Western Sydney Local Health District.

04/02/2026

FROM MIDWIFERY TO MEDICINE: Dr Jade Davies spent several years as a registered midwife in Newcastle before making the move into medicine.
She’s now in her first few weeks as an intern – and already has an award in the bag.
Jade has taken out the 2025 AMA (NSW) Joint Medical Program prize for the most outstanding student graduating from the joint Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Newcastle and the University of New England.
The award is given to the student who demonstrates the highest overall ability and capacity in the year four MCQ and OSCE, and the year five critical care OSCE examinations with a high standard in all components of the course.
This is a fantastic achievement, and we are proud to have sponsored this award in recognition of outstanding talent in the medical field.

02/02/2026

LEADING THROUGH CHANGE: The COVID-19 pandemic gave AMA (NSW) member and Intensivist Dr Nhi Nguyen a platform to guide clinicians through rapid change, innovation and unprecedented demand.
That experience reinforced her belief in clear communication, active listening and genuine collaboration across the health system.
In the next edition of NSW Doctor, she reflects on her journey from leading state-wide ICU strategy to championing the Single Digital Patient Record, overseeing the Nepean Hospital redevelopment and advocating for healthier communities.
If you're a member, look out for this story in your mailbox in the coming weeks.

25/01/2026

WINNERS: Congratulations to four AMA (NSW) members named in today’s Australia Day honours list.
Obstetrician Dr Sue Jacobs, an AMA (NSW) member for 28 years, has been awarded an AM for service to women's health in the fields of gynaecology and obstetrics.
Orthopaedic surgeon, Medical Benevolent Association councillor and AMA (NSW) member for 33 years, Dr Andrew Wines has received an AM for significant service to orthopaedic surgery.
Fifty-year AMA (NSW) member and obstetrician Dr Gordon Campbell has been given an OAM for service to obstetrics and gynaecology, while GP Dr Andrew Kwong, and AMA (NSW) member for 47 years, is also receiving an OAM.
Thank you all for your dedication to our community.

24/01/2026

UNITY: We are pleased to announce that a huge number of interns signed up to AMA (NSW) this week.
Thank you to all those who have joined us. Together, we will continue to improve the health system for doctors and patients.

21/01/2026

DAY OF MOURNING: Tonight, at 7.01pm, Australians are invited to observe one minute of silence to honour the victims of the Bondi beach terrorist attack.
We also acknowledge our health staff across Sydney who treated the injured.

Today’s National Day of Mourning is a moment of grief, reflection and reckoning.

20/01/2026

VALE: We are deeply saddened by the death of Professor Marie Bashir, an AMA (NSW) member for more than 64 years.
Professor Bashir, 95, was an extraordinarily compassionate doctor committed to child psychiatry and indigenous health.
All those who encountered her were left the better for it.
She will not be forgotten.

19/01/2026

O-WEEK: It was fantastic to meet more than 315 newly minted doctors today at Westmead, Hornsby, St Vincent’s and Sydney Local Health District.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to talk to us and learn more about what AMA (NSW) offers and how we can support you throughout your career, with expert, trusted medico-legal, HR and careers guidance advice.
Tomorrow, we will be at Gosford, John Hunter, Liverpool, Nepean and Royal North Shore.
Please come and say hello. We are offering free membership until April this year for interns plus a free two-year Blue Light Card, providing valuable discounts on a range of products.
You can also win an AMA (NSW) prize pack containing plenty of goodies and if you join us before January 27, you’ll go into the draw for a $500 gift card.
You can join here: https://www.amansw.com.au/interns-2026/
Congratulations to Susie Yang (Westmead), Edwin Xu (St Vincent’s), Jacob Sassine (Sydney LHD) and Harrison Khan (Hornsby) for winning today’s prize packs.

16/01/2026

CONGRATULATIONS: Tonight, Chris Farag has taken home the 2025 Medical Student of the Year award, thanks to AMA (NSW) and the NSW Medical Students' Council.
Auston Yu was named as a very worthy runner up.
Both contributed significantly to mentoring, leadership, education, peer support and health equity during their medical studies.
Thanks to all those who attended tonight.

16/01/2026

CALL OF THE COUNTRY: For Dr Sarah Woodford, returning to practise as a trainee general practitioner in Gunnedah is more than a homecoming.
It has given her a deep sense of connection and community, and the ability to give back to the townspeople who raised her.
In the next edition of NSW Doctor, due out in a few weeks, Dr Woodford talks about the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway where she is able to rotate between hospital and general practice under one contract, providing stability and continuity throughout her training - and continuity of care for patients.
Look out for the next edition soon.