AMSA occupies a unique position as one of the largest, most successful and prominent student groups in this county. Among students, health groups and governments, it has earned this place through years of effort from countless likeminded and passionate people. AMSA, like medical students and the medical profession more broadly, has changed significantly over the last 50 years, and we have a lot we can be proud of.

Over the past 5 years, I have experienced the many different aspects of AMSA, first as a member interested in global health, speaking at the first ever GHC (then the Developing World Conference) then as an active participant through various roles on my medical society, attendance at Conventions and NLDS, and this year, as an active partner in medical student advocacy as the Chair of NSWMSC.

My role as Vice President External will be to strongly and effectively advocate for AMSA and its members. We will begin the year with a clear plan for tackling the big issues, including the issues we wish to address and the means by which we will do this. I will ensure that my voice represents the thoughts and opinions of medical students nationwide - this voice will be reflective of the views of every one of the 19 Australian medical schools, and not just the views of the executive.

Managing a financial portfolio with a budget worth over 1 million dollars requires a confident treasurer who is able to deal with complex corporate financial structures, and utilise their technical expertise to optimise income and minimise expenditure. My goal for AMSA’s 2010 budget is to create stability and balance through consolidation, innovation and change. Facing a difficult year of economic challenges, AMSA’s budget must be thoroughly re-evaluated.

The Marketing and Sponsorship Officers are vital in maintaining the financial viability and sustainability of AMSA. Over the last 18 months the economic downturn has illustrated the importance of taking a long-term financial perspective for AMSA. In 2010, our bid is offering two individuals who are committed to working methodically, effectively and enthusiastically with this vision in mind. We will build upon the way in which AMSA currently works with its sponsors, to create, maintain and maximise mutually beneficial relationships.

Now in its fourth year of existence, the ICO position is an integral and well-established part of the executive team. Effective communication, efficient processes and procedures are essential to a productive working relationship between the AMSA executive and Convention and GHC teams.

Many of us are attracted to AMSA for the same reasons we were attracted to medicine in the first place. Both are forums to contribute to something larger than oneself, and make a positive difference to the lives of others. Medical students are bright, altruistic and capable people, and the core aims of the CLO ought to be to channel these qualities into worthwhile charitable and philanthropic activities.

Global health continues to be a field of increasing interest among Australian medical students, with participation in both the global health groups (GHGs) and the global health conference (GHC) at all time highs. This momentum needs to be captured effectively, therefore I see the role of the Global Health Officer as one that empowers students both on the local and global stage, and facilitates the growth and strengthening of the GHN. I believe the GHN is instrumental in supporting the Global Health Groups (GHGs) and as GHO I would seek to work with the GHN chair to ensure that the GHGs are provided with the resources and training to maximise their effectiveness.

The rural and indigenous health environment is one that is crowded to the hilt with bucket loads of different stakeholders and acronyms. AMSA is just one of many groups with an interest in rural health issues such as workforce maldistribution and programs to address it, multidisciplinary teaching and indigenous health. AMSA can achieve a lot more of its goals by working with others. We need to partner with other likeminded organisations if we are going to succeed in any of our important policy areas, and I hope to be able to continue the work that Shannon has done in 2009 by continuing to build bridges between AMSA and its rural partners.

Australia is a country burdened by the tyranny of distance. AMSA represents the interests of medical students all across Australia, from those in major cities to those in small country towns and clinics. Being scattered so far and wide makes it very difficult for students to communicate with their representative body.

The challenge of Public Relations for AMSA is essentially the same challenge faced by every street corner magician, directing the eyes of the public where we want, focused on what we want, precisely when we want.

AMSA has come a long way in recent years and has grown with the significant increase in student numbers. In order to keep the organisation running smoothly and maintain progress in advocacy and all the things that AMSA does, there are a few key areas that need particular attention, some of which fall under the responsibility of the National Coordinator (NC).

I live in Canberra, the beating, bradycardic heart of our great nation. I have been a proud ANU medical student for 3 years now and have been involved with the ANU Medical Student Society, serving as President, Junior AMSA rep, year reps, in numerous committees and med revues to name a few. During this time I have learned a great deal in how to represent, entertain and advocate for my fellow students and I am very keen to take this experience into the AMSA executive for 2010.