Council 2022 - 2023

Dr Boulton is an experienced public speaker, conference keynote speaker and sought-after medical commentator, regularly featuring in mainstream media. 

Dr Boulton was named one of the 100 Faces of Small Business Queensland in 2018. She was a finalist in the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Awards as Businessperson of the Year. In 2019, she was a finalist in the Greater Brisbane Women in Business Awards of Australia. Family Doctors Plus was awarded the Queensland Telstra Business of the Year Award in 2017. 

Dr Boulton has held leadership positions in other organisations and is also a member of the Federal AMA Council of General Practice Committee. 

“Opening Family Doctors Plus increased my awareness of the challenges faced by my GP and non-GP specialist colleagues, motivating me to become involved in creating positive change. Primarily, these challenges revolve around providing quality, evidence-based health care in the face of dwindling funding and inadequate MBS rebates”
 

Dr Yim has been a member of the AMA Queensland Council since 2016 and the AMA Queensland Board since 2020. He plays an active role in medical education for the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School and GP Registrars. 

Dr Yim plays an active role in medical education for the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School and GP Registrars. Locally, he is the President of the Fraser Coast Local Medical Association.

"The last couple of years, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges to our community and the medical profession.  All doctors from medical students, doctors in training, general practitioners and public/private specialists are paramount to ensure that we maintain the health of our community.

"We require active and purposeful interaction between the medical profession and all levels of government.  We require long term planning and not band aid solutions.  Similarly, we require clear and concise messaging to our community."

Dr Bandi has a special interest in andrology, urological oncology, prostate brachytherapy, erectile dysfunction and infertility, endourology and lithotripsy. Dr Bandi develops mobile applications for smart phones and virtual reality applications and simulations. He was one of the members of the committee appointed by the Board of Urology of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand to convert the curriculum for trainees to a modular curriculum using current technology due to his expertise in this area. Dr Bandi is the international scientific advisor and marketing director for Urodev and clinical advisor to the multi award winning CancerAid app which is currently the most downloaded cancer app in the US, UK and Australia and won the Best Global Startup and Best Startup for Social Good in 2017 in San Francisco. Dr Bandi has been one of Australia’s most successful fundraisers for the Movember Foundation for the last 11 years and has been the highest individual fundraiser for the last three years. Dr Bandi is the champion, mentor and facilitator of Coder Dojo Mackay – a volunteer group that runs coding classes for children.

“I am looking forward to representing the regional doctors from the Capricornia Area, and those of us who work hard in these trying times to balance work and family commitments. I would like to see doctors be more proactive in influencing their own quality of life and set an example for healthy living. I am keen to be a role model to influence a change in the nutrition and activity practices across the wider community."

An experienced leader with strategic vision and a solid understanding of governance responsibilities, Dr Chew is the Chair of General Practice Training Queensland and a former Director of the Australian Digital Health Agency. She is a past Vice President and Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Dr Chew is a member of the Professional Services Review Panel and the Medical Board Performance and Professional Standards Panel, and is an assessor with the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. She is the RACGP Queensland Provost and a member of Council. An advocate for general practice, Dr Chew serves on a range of committees and working groups focused on the advancement of quality primary care.

“As a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, I have a clear understanding of my responsibilities as Director and Chair, and will work to ensure that the AMA Queensland Board exercises its responsibilities and fiduciary duty to support the association in serving its members. In my various roles representing the profession, I have gained valuable insights into the many challenges facing the medical profession, providing a sound basis for me to support Council to formulate policy and provide direction for the advancement of critical issues affecting Queensland doctors.”

“AMA Qld is a vital voice safeguarding the healthcare of Queenslanders and advocating for medical professionals.  I will use my time on the AMA Qld Council to promote health policy that optimises patient care and supports doctors to provide exceptional healthcare for all Queenslanders.”
 

Having extensive training in public health and undertaking higher research at a doctoral level in health systems and epidemiology Dr. Ekanayake has an intimate working understanding of the primary and hospital specialist systems. He has pivoted this experience in his advocacy work through the council of doctors in training as a past chair, and general practice to improve conditions for doctors being involved in the; 

• MOCA 5 negotiations 
• MOCA 5 oversight committee 
• Various department of health working committees as an employee advocate 
• MOCA 6 negotiations 
• AMAQ’s input into the voluntary assisted dying submissions to parliament 
• Numerous Queensland Industrial Relations commission disputes and hearings 
• Fair Work Commission disputes 
• RFDS enterprise bargaining agreements 
• Mater enterprise bargaining

This not being an exhaustive list of his body of work during his time at the AMAQ, he has supplemented and augmented this by unequivocally supporting the working rights of doctors through his work with AMAQ’s industrial partner The Doctors’ Union ASMOF. He sits as an experienced senior industrial negotiator with over 5 years working within the medical employment and industrial space within the state.  

Dr. Ekanayake currently works as clinically as a Medical Officer in Logan and Grafton. 

"In joining the AMA Queensland Council I aim to represent and promote the interests of doctors in training, employed/salaried doctors, especially those based in the Greater Brisbane are, as an area representative within the council.” 

He has aspirations to complete his Rheumatology training and further expand his interests in medical administration with particular interests in clinical governance, medical regulation and accreditation.

"I am passionate about advocating for a positive training environment that both supports and protects high quality education and training whilst concurrently promoting the wellbeing of doctors and medical students. I appreciate the ever-growing need of the medical profession to take leadership in the Australian Healthcare system: to actively represent ourselves as doctors in concert to passionately advocating for our patients. As the Doctor in Training Representative on AMA Queensland's Council, I hope to empower my fellow DiT colleagues to become involved in AMAQ and take charge of our futures." 

She has a special interest in aviation medicine. Dr Bondeson is now a partner in a group practice in Margate on the Redcliffe Peninsula where she works full-time. Dr Bondeson is the President of the Redcliffe and District Local Medical Association and serves on the Council of General Practice.

“My intention is to represent the views and voices of the doctors in the Greater Brisbane area. This includes both public and private doctors, specialist and general practitioners, and doctors in training. I will ensure the concerns of our patients and the public are listened to carefully and advocate for those who do not have a voice. Continuing ongoing monitoring of important local and national medical and political issues.”

"I represent those medical practitioners who hold part-time and casual positions - providing essential increases in workforce capacity if and when required. It is not always possible to work in a full-time capacity for many reasons, I aim to support these options for part-time AMA Queensland members."

She is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University (1987) and the University of Illinois, College of Medicine (1992).  After completing her internship and residency in general surgery at the Ochsner Clinic (1997), she completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at Moffitt Cancer Institute at the University of South Florida (1999) including specialised training in breast surgery. She gained recognition as a Fellow of the Society of Surgical Oncology in 2000, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 2002 and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2016. She works full-time in Hervey Bay Hospital and serves on the RACS Queensland State Committee.

Dr Dauway identified a need to educate regional women regarding breast cancer treatment options, especially breast preservation and reconstruction after mastectomy. She founded RESTORE More, a non-profit, that raises awareness and provides subsidised funding for reconstructive surgery for regionally disadvantaged women. Dr Dauway was awarded “Inspirational Woman of the Year 2019”, for a holistic approach to surgery and her work with regional women through RESTORE More.

“My goal as the IMG representative on the AMA Council is to represent all doctors, professional and personal well-being, but especially IMGs. In addition to the sacrifices related to relocating themselves and families to a new country, IMGs have the added professional challenges of fulfilling the requirements for fellowship to their respective college with limited registration while providing the best care to their new regional community hospital. Highlighting these challenges, the AMA can provide support to enable IMGs to make the greatest impact on the health care needs of their region. I look forward to representing our members in Queensland, especially those located in regional areas.”

“I believe that the AMA is a powerful, important body and a community of members. Championing leadership and advocacy for members, patients and the community in general, is of paramount importance. Representing  members on Council has provided me a platform to not only benefit others, but also allow me that opportunity to help maintain and uphold the traditions and integrity of the medical profession in which we work."

Dr Ellepola is a recipient of SS Ratnam - Young Gynaecologist Award (SSR - YGA) International award presented by the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG) for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the National Society and Demonstrating Leadership Qualities’ and Heart Felt Service Award in recognition of outstanding and caring service. Nominated through the ‘Heartfelt Service Award’ Metro South Health district.

“My vision is not only for AMA to be seen as a world leader for health, but to provide nationally consistent and streamlined health care system that supports its constitutes and wellbeing of our national population. I also believe that the AMA can be a leader in shaping training in our junior medical craft groups, driving clinical quality and influencing health policy.”

Dr Hawson served as Director of Oncology and Palliative Care at Redcliffe Hospital, then served a similar role at Nambour Hospital and was a Foundation Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine. In 2008, Queensland Health appointed him as an Eminent Specialist, a title he carried until 2017 when he left public hospital practice. He has worked in private practice intermittently throughout his career as a laboratory haematologist, clinical haematologist and medical oncologist. He continues to practice non-malignant haematology at North lakes and Burpengary. Dr Hawson also offers second opinions in his Cancer Second Opinion practice to patients who are confused by their cancer diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis and the emerging area of personalised medicine.

Dr Hawson was Chair of the Redcliffe and District Medical Association from 1999-2000 and is currently on the executive as Secretary. He is President of the Australian Senior Active Doctors Association. Dr Hawson has served on numerous National and State advisory committees including: FRACP Representative, Pathology Committee, Australian Digital Health Agency (2017-18); Medical Oncology Group of Australia Representative, Medicines Australia Advisory Committee (2011-12); Medical Advisory Committee, Australian Lung Cancer Trials Group (2006-10); Oncology Services Advisory Committee to Queensland Health (1996-2002). 

Outside of medicine he has a black belt in two martial arts and continues to train in Jodo after 18 years. He was appointed to the board of The Compass Institute in 2021.

“I am passionate about ensuring senior medical professionals can continue to contribute to their communities and their profession as they transition to retirement. Senior active and retired doctors are an underutilised asset in advancing the health of the Australian community. It is imperative that a lifetime of training does not go to waste. I hope to be able to lobby on behalf of our senior members. If a retired judge can run a royal commission, why are we considered past our prime just because we hang up our shingle? Many doctors view their profession as a calling which doesn't cease when practice reduces, employment ends, or full registration demands cannot be met. We deserve the option of an encore career. As a board member I wish to assist AMA Qld represent its members and ensure their wishes are incorporated in our strategic direction.”

He is a passionate advocate and founding member of the North Queensland Doctors Guild who have been deeply involved in the defence of general practice against the ill conceived pharmacy prescribing pilot. 

"I believe that AMA Queensland is an important advocacy group that will speak up for the doctors of Australia. My goal in joining the AMAQ Council is to stand up for the doctors of Queensland - advocating for improving our rebate conditions, improving the viability of GP owned businesses and increasing the status of general practice to the community and to inspire our junior doctors" 

Assoc Prof Kothari is currently completing a PhD on 'Forgotten Fathers in pregnancy and childbirth' and won the 'Best Oral presentation' for this work at the World Congress in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, London, 2019. She has also won various research excellence, leadership and teaching awards in Metro North Hospital and Health Service as well as University of Queensland. She is an examiner for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and The University of Queensland.

Assoc Prof Kothari has published multiple research papers in international journals. She is regularly invited to speak at international and national events for various specialist colleges including the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal Australian College of Anaesthetists, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and The Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand and the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine. She is passionate about encouraging multi-disciplinary research, especially in perinatal mental health, women's imaging and medical education. 

Assoc Prof Kothari is also an active member of the Prince Charles Human Research and Ethics Committee and provide research supervision and guidance to higher degree candidates and medical, nursing, allied health trainees.

"I am extremely impressed by the leadership demonstrated by AMA Queensland leaders and Council and the excellent work done in health advocacy. As I am getting close to completing my PhD, I would like to contribute to the important areas of Maternity Services, extended scope of practice, medical training and ethical issues confronting the profession including voluntary assisted dying. These are all current priorities for AMAQ, where I can offer my expertise."

Dr Moudgil has been a permanent member of Queensland RANZCP Branch Committee since May 2015, where he has engaged actively in a range of policy decisions for State Government. He has also been an active member of Family Violence Psychiatrists Network Committee for bi-national RANZCP. 

During his recent term as an AMA Queensland Councillor for Greater Brisbane, he actively participated and contributed to the various working groups of Ramping Roundtable and Voluntary Assisted Dying. His role was pivotal in AMA Queensland advocating for more resources in mental health and through the recommendations of the Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into Mental Health, there has been a record increased mental health budget of $1.6 billion over the next five years.

He was an active presenter at the AMA Queensland Annual Conference in the Northern Territory in June-July 2022. Dr Moudgil has also been successful in attaining a term of the AMA Queensland Committee of Consultant Specialists in June 2022. 

Dr Moudgil aspires to achieve better alliance with clinical professional colleges for a seamless delivery of health care and better health outcomes for our patients. He is committed to improving health care services for the culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. 

“I’m looking forward to working with AMA Queensland and hope to expand and grow the profile of this pivotal association for doctors whose benefits should be reaped across our society.”

“I have a firm belief and commitment to Virchow’s notion that ‘Medicine is a social science and politics is nothing else but medicine on a large scale’. I see the AMA as a modern-day conveyor of that message. My major concern over the many years of working in healthcare, has been the relatively low genuine engagement rates by my colleagues, in the macro healthcare issues. Whilst the reasons for this are multiple and complex, the glue that binds engagement is authentic personal relationships. By this I mean a genuine desire to move outside our own silos, biases and agendas to see things as others see them. The main others are, of course, our patients and the community at large. I strive to always do this. This is the sole value proposition that makes us relevant as a profession.

My hope and desire is to galvanise greater relevance and drive the necessary changes that we must take to navigate the future, rather than have them imposed on us. To succeed we will need to temper our own professional illusory superiority and the Dunning-Kruger effect.”

“I pledge to represent the needs of all doctors, but particularly the role and standing of doctors in our hospital health systems. These doctors are under increasing pressure by a bureaucratic health care system, determined to reduce the vital role of doctors in the delivery of health care. I believe that only medically trained doctors have the skills to make the important decisions regarding the management of our patients. Only doctors can determine the important diagnostic tests and treatments options necessary to obtain the best outcomes for our patients. Only doctors can drive the vital relevant medical research and teaching that our public hospitals require. I will work diligently to achieve the best outcomes for all our members and our patients and resist efforts to diminish the role of doctors in health care delivery.”

Chris has been involved with research with olfactory cells and paraplegia, and is currently involved in head and neck cancer research – his CV includes 50 papers, eight book chapters and 1,600 citations. Chris has done a lot of work in remote Aboriginal communities and was one of the founders of the Deadly Ears program.

“There has not been a public/private surgeon within the AMA leadership team for some time in Queensland. As the VMOs are the major providers of public surgical services for Queensland Health, as well as the private sphere where they do more than half of the total surgery in Australia. They are an important cog in the wheel of health delivery.

The interaction between the medical profession and the federal and state health departments, to the Ministers and potentially the Queensland Premier is very important. The AMA is the only lead organisation for all doctors in Australia. We need interaction with jurisdictions, which is respectful and mature. We also need to be able to present ideas and messages to the community in a way that people can understand.”

Helping the next generation of GPs to become independent, quality practitioners is particularly important to Dr Raciti, so she teaches GP registrars, engaging them fully in the day-to-day life of her practice and supporting them as they tackle the numerous issues and volatility currently facing the profession.

Empowering people to take charge of their own health and well-being is her driving ethos and she considers encouraging young doctors to actively participate in the ‘business’ of medicine equally important.

She is proud to be part of a supported, committed and collegiate team which thrives in a workplace that actively focusses on providing continuity of care for all patients and all staff. Regularly invited to speak at conferences, Dr Raciti enjoys adding her voice to the advocacy of Australia’s General Practitioners and helping to keep their interests in the public and government’s line of sight.

He is the current treasurer for the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation Queensland (ASMOFQ). Dr Senthuran is also an anaesthetist and Fellow of Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and has an interest in perioperative medicine. He has a Masters in Clinical Epidemiology with research interests in critical care with a perioperative focus.

"I believe that medical leadership and engagement between administrators and its front line clinicians needs to underpin any drive for efficiency in an era of increasing health care costs. Such engagement needs to be based on shared values transferred from websites where they are proclaimed into every organisational thought, word and deed."

He has practised in Cairns in both the public and private sector ever since, apart from a one-year sabbatical to the United Kingdom. He is currently in full-time private practice in Cairns. David has done outreach clinics in Innisfail and Weipa. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and a fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association. His primary qualification is a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Queensland. He has been involved in teaching medical students from James Cook University.

“My intention on the AMA Queensland Council is to represent the views and needs of Far North Queensland doctors by acting as a conduit for communication between them and the AMA organisation.”

"Australia’s medical students are the next generation of world leading doctors. My hope is to tackle issues medical students face throughout their pre-clinical and clinical years – highlighting the need of good mental, physical and spiritual health. By challenging these issues, I hope to unite our future workforce, to ensure our healthcare is as holistic and friendly to patients as possible."

"I believe AMA Queensland is an important mouthpiece not only for doctors, but for our patients as well. My goal on the AMA Queensland Council is to represent doctors of the Downs and Western Queensland - advocating for safe and sustainable working conditions. I am a strong believer in rural generalism and am proud to work in an area of Queensland where this model of care is often celebrated as a positive example for others to follow."