AMA National Conference 2015 - Woman in Medicine Award

Medical Board of Australia Chair and general practitioner Dr Joanna Flynn has been awarded the 2015 AMA Woman in Medicine Award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the development of general practice as a distinct professional specialty, and to improving the quality of care for patients in Australia.

AMA President, Associate Professor Brian Owler, made the announcement at the AMA National Conference in Brisbane today.

“Dr Flynn is a leader in every sense of the word,” A/Prof Owler said.

“Not only has Dr Flynn advocated strongly for improvements in the management of impaired practitioners, but she has made an enormous contribution to the development of general practice as a distinct medical speciality.”

Dr Flynn was awarded the member of Order of Australia in 2011, she was the first female President of the Australian Medical Council, was State Director of the Victorian RACGP training program for nine years, and has been instrumental in developing the general practice education program.

A/Prof Owler said that during her time at the Australian Medical Council Dr Flynn introduced compulsory assessment of international medical graduates before registration, and was strong advocate for profession-led medical regulation.

“Dr Flynn has earned a reputation for wisdom, integrity, decisiveness, intelligence, insight and compassion,” A/Prof Owler said.

“She has enormous insight into the role of the regulator in protecting the public, balanced with the need for fair and transparent processes, built on the principles of natural justice.

“Dr Flynn’s lucid, strongly written and informative editorials and communiques have been integral in establishing the framework for a new era in the regulation of health professions in Australia.

“Her tireless work striving for high standards in medical practice and medical regulation throughout Australia make her a deserving winner of the AMA Woman in Medicine Award,” A/Prof Owler said.

29 May 2015

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                            Odette Visser                      02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753

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