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.

However, we now find ourselves at an important and challenging turning point. It is a time of exploding medical student numbers, significant health reform, international student marginalisation, and economic uncertainty. Nonetheless, it is a time when AMSA should be vocally championing our issues and our vision for change. It’s a time where AMSA should be working in the best interests of all medical students and to do this, we need an executive and a President with experience, leadership, professionalism and passion.

Given the annual turnover of AMSA executives and Councils, institutional knowledge too readily gets lost, and successive teams have perennially faced the same challenges and learning curves. Our team, with experience of how the executive works can hit the ground running and build upon what has been done this year rather than start from scratch and repeat old mistakes. 

There are many reasons why I decided to nominate for President, but one of the most important was the firm belief that with the experience I have gained in the executive and in other roles, I am well placed to lead AMSA into the future. It certainly won’t be a case of ‘more of the same’ either – our team brings fresh ideas, new faces and the ability to get things done. 

I’ve had significant experience in a variety of leadership, academic and representational roles, and each of these has contributed to my understanding of how to manage organisations and people to get the best results from them. I bring a proven track record to the role and importantly, a detailed and transparent agenda about how we will do things next year. 

AMSA is more than just external advocacy - it is also an excellent vehicle through which students across the country can be connected and linked into a larger community of friends and colleagues. The people I’ve met this year and at other Conventions and events are another reason I love AMSA and want to stay a part of it. These events are world-class, and even the crustiest of old of doctors have fond memories of their Convention days. Sydney is lucky enough to soon host Convention and GHC in 2011, and while we’ve got our work cut out to top Brisbane and Hobart (I’m sure), having an executive co-located in the same city as an upcoming Convention/GHC will massively reduce logistical, communication and financial pressures. 

Absolute commitment to the role of President and the organisation is a must. Having seen the demands of the role first hand, I have a well informed and realistic view of what it takes and how I’ll approach it. AMSA deserves no less than a full-time President and I have made arrangements to defer my studies if successful. I’ve already dedicated to AMSA much blood, sweat and tears, and am passionate to exsanguinate further for the cause next year. Two years in the executive is no mean feat, but it’s a challenge I can’t wait to tackle. With a great team behind me, I am confident we can help AMSA reach bigger and better things in 2010.