Dr Michael Bonning elected as AMA’s next President
01 Sep 2026
Dr Bonning was announced as the AMA’s next President over the weekend. He will officially begin the role on 2 November, alongside Dr Whitelaw.
Dr Bonning is an experienced GP and health leader. His career includes serving as a medical officer in the Royal Australian Navy, President of AMA New South Wales and a member of the RACGP Expert Committee – Funding and Health System Reform.
He currently works as a GP and is co-owner of Balmain Village Health in Sydney.
Dr Bonning said he was honoured to take on the role and would focus on representing doctors and patients across Australia.
He said listening to doctors and turning their experiences into practical health policy and advocacy would be a key priority during his term.
Dr Whitelaw, a Melbourne emergency medicine specialist, said she was honoured to join the AMA leadership team and looked forward to supporting the medical profession and advocating for patients and communities.
Outgoing AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen congratulated both doctors on their election.
Dr McMullen said she was pleased to see Dr Bonning and Dr Whitelaw elected to lead the organisation and wished them success in their new roles.
Dr Bonning and Dr Whitelaw will officially commence their positions on 2 November.
Dr Michael Bonning elected as AMA’s next President
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA) / newsGP