Seven distinguished members for AMA’s Roll of Fellows

The AMA has inducted seven new members into the AMA Roll of Fellows in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the medical profession and the AMA.

The new Roll of Fellows was announced at AMA24 on the Gold Coast at the weekend.

They have all made real contributions at the state and federal level to improve working conditions for doctors, improve safety for patients, train the next generation of medical practitioners and help make the Australian health system work more effectively for patients and the community.

The AMA commends them for their service.

The new Fellows are:

Dr Annette Barratt

Dr Barratt has made an invaluable contribution to the medical field and the AMA. Her distinguished medical career spans more than four decades and her leadership roles at the state and federal levels have helped shape healthcare policies and initiatives.

As Vice President of AMA Tasmania, she advocated for the profession and patients alike. She was Deputy Executive Commissioner of Voluntary Assisted Dying Tasmania.

Dr Bridget Sawyer

Dr Sawyer has been an ambassador and advocate for the AMA, general practice and for patients since taking her first official role with the AMA in South Australia in 2017.

As an AMA (SA) Councillor for seven years and Chair of the AMA (SA) Committee on General Practice (CGP) for six years, Dr Sawyer has given her time and considerable expertise to supporting AMA objectives.

Under her leadership, the CGP worked closely with South Australian GPs to help navigate the uncertain environment during the pandemic. Her role led to her joining SA Health’s COVID-19 Primary Care Taskforce, which provided a critical forum in which to offer an AMA voice and clinical perspective.

Dr Fred Betros

Dr Betros is a General Surgeon with public and private hospitals, including at Blacktown and Hawkesbury Hospitals. He joined AMA NSW Council in 2014 and has served on the Board since May 2016.

He has dedicated himself to the AMA Fees Committee and engaged on private health insurance, particularly on the issue of private patients in public hospitals.

He is powerful advocate for doctors and patients in Western Sydney and more recently spearheaded AMA NSW’s battle to clarify and fight for the rights of VMOs.

Dr John Saul

Dr Saul’s nomination for the AMA Federal Roll of Fellows recognises his exemplary service and leadership in the medical field.

His election as AMA Tasmania’s President underscored his commitment to advancing health on the state and federal levels. His outstanding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and advocacy for essential reform in the health system underlines his dedication.

As a founding member of Eastern Shore Doctors in Hobart, Dr Saul played a pivotal role in establishing a healthcare legacy positively impacting the community for more than three decades.

Associate Professor Ines Rio

Associate Professor Rio’s excellence and dedication has made a significant contribution to the AMA and AMA Victoria.

Her distinguished career, which is marked by significant leadership roles, exemplifies an unwavering commitment to advancing the medical profession.

Her leadership in women’s health, maternity care, mental health, aged care and primary care has promoted AMA policy and enhanced the delivery of healthcare, outcomes and equity.

Associate Professor Jeffrey Looi

Associate Professor Jeff Looi’s service to the AMA has been characterised by academic rigour and a keen sense of justice, bridging the gap between policy development at a national level and advocacy for colleagues in the workplace.

He was first elected to the AMA Federal Council in 2014, representing psychiatrists and serving with distinction of several committees, including the Committee for Healthy Ageing from 2004–2014.

His most outstanding work has been on the Mental Health Committee, which he chaired for many years. He has provided insight and guidance on all aspects of the AMA’s mental health policy and advocacy.

Professor Anthony Lawler

Professor Lawler is the Deputy Secretary of Health Products Regulation at the Department of Health and Aged Care and was previously the Tasmanian Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Secretary of Clinical Quality, Regulation and Accreditation.

For 30 years Professor Lawler has been an active member of the AMA and has held leadership positions at all levels of the AMA, including Chair of the Council of Doctors in Training, Branch and Area Representative on Federal Council, member of the Federal Executive and Branch President.