Council 2019 - 2020

From 2006-2010, Dr Dhupelia was Senior Medical Advisor for Medicare Australia, Health Advisory Branch. Since 2010, Dr Dhupelia works at Queensland Health as well as working as a part time general practitioner. Dr Dhupelia is the Director of Medical and Clinical services of Queensland Country Practice, Queensland Rural Medical Service within the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service; part-time general practitioner in Toowong, Brisbane; Board Director of General Practice Training Queensland; Member of the Clinical Advisory Group of Brisbane North Primary Health Network. His AMA Queensland roles include Board Director, Councillor; and Member of the AMA Queensland Council of General Practice. His Federal AMA roles include Member of the Federal Council, Executive Member of the AMA Council of General Practice and Member of the AMA Council of Rural Doctors. He is also Vice President of AMA Queensland Foundation.

“Having had extensive medical experience in both the public and private sectors, as well as within the federal and state government sectors, I feel I have a good grasp of health policy drivers, ensuring holistic care within a seamless patient journey and improvement strategies in areas such as integration of primary and secondary services in rural areas. As President, I look forward to working within a wide-ranging team and hopefully add value to the fine work already being performed in representation, leadership and advocacy.”

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, 8 book chapters and 1600 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.”

Dr Boyd ceased delivering babies in 2004 and now offers a full-time gynaecology service.  He served two years as AMA Queensland Chair and has completed a company director’s course run by the Australian Institute of Company Directors

“It is my intention to further the interests of our members. I will support and uphold AMA Queensland, its standards and aspirations and will work on behalf of the members towards achieving the goals of the association.”

Dr Abdeen has been one of the Gold Coast HHS AMA Queensland Council of Doctors in Training (CDT) representatives since 2015, was Deputy Chair in 2018 and now currently serves as Chair of AMAQ CDT for 2019. He was also President of the Doctors in Training Society of Gold Coast in 2016. Currently, he is a sitting member of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians College Qld Trainees’ Committee (CTC), member of the Medical Board National Training Survey (NTS) Advisory Committee, member of the MDA National State Advisory Committee, representative on the AMC Intern Training Framework Review Working Party, JMO representative on the Prevocational Medical Accreditation Queensland (PMAQ) Governance Committee and Director on the Board of the Confederation of Postgraduate Medical Councils (CPMEC). He aspires to complete his physician training in Rheumatology and one day become a medical administrator.

“I have been fortunate enough that throughout my career thus far, I have filled many different medical leadership roles that have placed me in a unique position to gauge the advocacy, training, and wellbeing needs of doctors in training. As a Gold Coast Councillor, I hope to empower my fellow Gold Coast colleagues to become involved with the AMA Queensland and take charge of their futures. Through my role I wish to inspire others to take part in medical leadership and to foster an inclusive AMA environment to maintain the legacy of the organisation and to produce strong medical leaders of the future.”

“I believe in patient-centred care that is respectful and responsive to the preferences, needs and values of patients and consumers. I am firmly focused on women’s health issues locally and internationally. I believe I will be a strong advocate for women’s health, our specialist doctors, trainees and most importantly our patients – diverse and multicultural ensuring that everyone has access to good quality care.”

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. He is also Clinical Advisor for PHIT (Prescribed Health Initiative Targets) Nutrition and the Chief Medical Officer and one of the Founder Directors of PHIT-LABS, which is developing AI-based applications for promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

“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."

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.”

Dr Boulton is passionate about preventive medicine, continuity of care and ongoing education. Family Doctors Plus holds frequent seminars on empowering patients to manage and understand their health conditions. Dr Boulton is a regular guest on Afternoons with Kat Feeney on ABC Brisbane Radio and is the author of Mum’s Guide to Pregnancy. She is a founding member of the Australian Lifestyle Medicine Association and a member of The International Society for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease.

“Leadership and advocacy are integral elements to the core of medicine, to speak for those who need a voice, to connect and unify within our profession and to continue to critically examine healthcare. I hope to engage medical students in issues that will affect our patients into the future and to ensure that people feel their voice is important in advocacy.”

"I am actively engaged in medical education as a clinical subdean at UCH clinical school and have an ongoing interest in the wellbeing of doctors in training, particularly in hospital settings, and how system factors inform their experience. I am acutely aware of the implications of climate on the health of all Australians, and the implications of this for the medical workforce. As a parent of three young adult children, I am prepared to speak truth to power, as evidenced by my advocacy activities in the past. I am inspired by those who bring integrity to leadership, and strive to create a fair and sustainable habitat for human growth and wellbeing. If I can create positive change in the role of AMA Councillor, I would be honoured to serve in this role."

He is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Aerospace Medicine, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators. He completed the DipAvmed in the UK in 2010 and remains active in the RAAF Specialist Reserve. Dr Clements continues to supervise general practitioners in training and works part-time as a Director of Rural Generalist Training for the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway.

“My goal on the AMA Queensland Council is to represent and promote the interests of Far North Queensland doctors and practitioners in private general practices, in particular those in rural and remote areas. AMA Queensland also offers a lot in terms of support and advocacy for junior doctors and general practice registrars and I look forward to supporting our members in Far North Queensland in these matters.”

“I am keen to represent regional doctors, and those who work too hard to represent themselves. I would like to see doctors advocate for their own quality of life and set an example of healthy living. I am interested in the role doctors have to play in advocating for change in nutrition and activity practices across their communities."

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”

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. Personally and professionally, becoming involved in the AMA will provide 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.

Associate Professor Hawson served as Director of Oncology and Palliative Care at Redcliffe Hospital, then served a similar role at Nambour Hospital. Queensland Health appointed Associate Professor Hawson as an Eminent Specialist. He has worked in private practice as a laboratory haematologist and medical oncologist intermittently throughout his career and was Chair of the Redcliffe and District Medical Association from 1999-2000. He retired from public hospital practice in September 2017 and is now involved part-time in his new interest of ‘Cancer Second Opinion’ hoping to help those who are confused by their cancer diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis and the emerging area of personalised medicine.

“Having reached the period of incipient permanent retirement, I am passionate about ensuring we medical professionals can continue to contribute to medicine and 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? Consideration needs to be made for genuine impairment but, if not impaired, why waste a resource?”

“I aim to represent the views of my constituents to Council; to promote patient safety especially by diminishing role substitution and developing task delegation; and to assure the future of young graduates by promoting best education and best career prospects.”

Dr Horsburgh trained in aviation and diving medicine during this time. Dr Horsburgh completed his FRACGP training in 2008. He is now a full-time general practitioner in Annerley, Brisbane.

“As an AMA Queensland Councillor, I hope to focus on improving the MBS rebate for medical practitioners to help make general practice viable. I feel it is important that we keep advocating for improved clinical training pathways for medical students and junior doctors with access to general practice exposure during that time. I have worked across many aspects of the health care spectrum including critical care, general practice and defence. I look forward to working with the hard-working team that makes up the AMA Queensland Council and I hope to continue advocating for all doctors.”

Currently he is enjoying dividing his time between a practice in Wavell Heights and teaching medical students at the University of Queensland. As a Brisbane native he appreciates the opportunity to serve as one of the Greater Brisbane Area Representatives, and is always happy to have a chat with any of his colleagues..

“Doctors always seem willing to put in their best for their patients. The AMA is a group dedicated not just to protecting healthcare and patients, it also fights for all these medical practitioners who advocate for their patients, often at the expense of advocating for themselves. I hope to continue the AMA's proud tradition of supporting all of the doctors who put their patients first. I believe that by doing this the AMA also helps to protect the Australian healthcare system and the patients who access it. For a long time the care, knowledge and hard work of Australian doctors has made our healthcare system one of the world's best, and we must keep fighting to ensure it stays that way."

Bav has been a member of AMA Queensland’s Branch Council since 2010 representing South-East Queensland and recently lead the AMA Queensland’s policy development on Medical Schools and as inaugural chairing the Pharmacy Prescribing Working Group.

He is also a executive member of the Queensland Council of Doctors in Training (CDT) since 2011 and was responsible for designing and implementing the first Resident Hospital Health Check survey in 2016, lead and Co-convened the inaugural AMA Queensland Junior Doctor Conference in 2014 was part of the team responsible for designing and implementing the award winning flagship of AMA Queensland's well being program - the Resilience on the Run program.

At the National level, Bav currently serves as a Director of the AMA Board (since 2015) and the AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship Foundation. He was recently appointed as Board Chair of doctorportal Learning Pty Ltd, an AMA company aimed at providing free CPD activities and tracking to members. He is also a Statutory Appointee to the Medical Board of Australia's Medical Training Survey Steering Committee and a member of MDA National's State Advisory Committee. He is also a Clinical Reference Lead for the Australian Digital Health Agency. His special interests include medical workforce planning, clinical governance and hospital management. 

“As a Registrar and a representative for the Brisbane and Gold Coast regions, which represents a significant proportion of Queensland’s doctors in training, I will focus on representing my colleagues at Council level. We need to work to improve the quality of, and fair access to, training and education in both the prevocational and vocational arenas, including ensuring training is affordable to trainee doctors and working conditions and awards are protected and enforced. As an organisation, we need to prioritise our engagement with our membership and deliver value to them. I look forward to assisting all Directors, Councillors and members of the profession who ask for my counsel.”

“I firmly believe medicine extends beyond the immediate clinical environments in which we are working. So much can be achieved by actively stepping outside of our individual comfort zones and contributing at a broader level. My involvement in organisational work came primarily from a frustration at a ‘grassroots level’, over time however I have come to understand the complexity and challenges involved with advocacy work. I have gained a glimpse at what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ and am constantly inspired by the clinicians I meet and work they are undertaking.

As medical professionals we lead exceedingly busy lives, communication is challenging, we constantly grapple with 'information overload'. I feel is is critical that our professional organisations continue to explore innovative ways to communicate with, and engage with, members, the broader medical profession, and the students who are our medical future. I believe that strength lies with genuinely embracing and recognising the power that comes with diversity, in all its forms. There is a shift in the culture around this and it is pleasing to see organisations such as the Lancet leading the way https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(19)31797-0.pdf

‘Moral Injury’ is a term being adopted by many in the medical profession. This is a term encompasses the impact on clinicians of systems restraints, colliding with the desire to deliver the best possible care we can for our patients. As a GP I hear first hand the stories of many Doctors, there are common themes and collectively we are all grappling with significant professional challenges. We must all work to ensure the culture of medicine evolves, and that systems adapt to better support clinicians. Being outside the hospital system I have unique perspective of the issues being faced, I am also in a unique position to advocate on behalf of those who feel unable to raise concerns individually. On the Gold Coast I am working closely with the Gold Coast Medical Association executive, General Practice Gold Coast Board, and our Gold Coast University Hospital Doctors in Training representatives to identify how our local independent medical associations can better support our hospital based colleagues. Whilst there are significant challenges I am constantly humbled by those I meet and inspired by the strengthening desire to drive for meaningful change.

I view leadership to have two core components, firstly to facilitate connection between those driven by shared interests. And secondly, to assist in facilitating the collaborative outcomes that stem from this to translate to meaningful changes.

I have had the privilege of being actively involved with our local Gold Coast medical organisations look forward to representing the Gold Coast on the AMA Queensland Council."

He is interested in the therapeutic use of ketamine in addictions. Dr Ognyenovits is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians’ Chapter of Addiction Medicine, and a council member of the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and Other Drugs. He is also involved in advocacy to inform drug policy and service development.

As a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland School of Medicine, he contributes to the education of various health professionals. Dr Ognyenovits graduated as doctor of medicine in Budapest, Hungary, initially training in psychiatry. After moving to Australia in 1992, he worked in rural and remote centres across Australia.

“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.”

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 outcomes of critically ill indigenous patients, perioperative advanced care planning and prehabilitation of frail patients prior to major surgery.

"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 and is organising the Cairns Local Medical Association.

“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.”

Since 2015 he joined the Fraser Coast Medical Association as secretary. Dr Yim plays an active role in medical education for the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School and Generalist Medical Training.

"I hope to bring enthusiasm and representation to address issues facing regional Queensland. I intend to advocate for all doctors and to ensure the high standards of the clinical training, which I hope will in turn improve the health of our communities and patients."