Dr Kate Kearney has been overseas for an extended period of time, and that move now looks permanent, forcing her resignation.
Following a long period overseas, chair of the AMA board Dr Kate Kearney is stepping aside.
Dr Kearney, a leading academic and cardiologist, has been overseas training and has just been appointed as an assistant professor at the University of Texas, where she is leading an adult congenital heart disease heart failure program with a supporting research program.
In a statement, the AMA congratulated Dr Kearney on her new direction after four years in the role.
“Most recently, Dr Kearney led the Board through the development of the AMA’s Strategy 2024–2027, managed the crisis of AMA WA withholding federal fees and successfully communicated to members the need for the Tasmanian AMA to become a branch of the Federal AMA,” said the statement.
“Her leadership led to a resounding vote for unity, with 95% of members who voted at the AMA’s recent AGM supporting the merger, as well as generational reforms that will ensure stronger and more modern governance of the AMA.
“The AMA extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr Kearney for her unwavering leadership, visionary guidance and service.
“She embodies the spirit of the AMA, from her beginnings in the Australian Medical Students Association to her tenure on the Council of Doctors in Training and beyond.
“We congratulate Dr Kearney on her recent appointment and reluctantly farewell her from the AMA Board. We wish Dr Kearney continued success with her young family, her stellar and now-overseas career, and eagerly anticipate the next chapters of her medical journey.”
The AMA board will vote on a new chair “shortly”, said the statement. In the interim, Dr Andrew Miller, the board’s deputy chair, will act in the role.
Independent reviewer appointed
Former NSW Health Care Complaints Commissioner Sue Dawson has been appointed as the independent reviewer to lead a review of the regulatory complexity of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
A statement from the Health Chiefs’ Executive Forum acknowledged media concerns about the NRAS and its management of professional misconduct by health practitioners, saying the Health Ministers had agreed to set up the independent review.
“The review will identify areas of unproductive and unnecessary complexity and recommend changes to improve regulatory outcomes,” said the statement.
“The aim of the Complexity Review is to ensure the NRAS is fit for purpose with consistent decision-making and is supported by an efficient complaints management and disciplinary process.
“The review will also consider the appropriateness of entry criteria for new professions and options for a stewardship approach to improve the overall responsiveness and management of the NRAS.”
Prior to her role as NSW Health Care Complaints Commissioner, Ms Dawson occupied senior roles in the NSW and Commonwealth public sectors and has also worked in the non-government sector.
“Sue brings a wealth of experience specialising in the design and operation of regulatory frameworks, with a focus on practical and innovative solutions that deliver better outcomes for the community,” said the HCEF statement.
The Complexity Review will be undertaken in stages with a final report expected by the end of 2024.
New CEO for Lowitja Institute
The Lowitja Institute, the country’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health research institute, has elevated long-time deputy CEO Paul Stewart into the top job.
Mr Stewart, a proud Taungurung man, replaces Adjunct Professor Janine Mohamed who led the organisation for five years before departing to be deputy CEO of the NDIA.
Throughout his career, Mr Stewart has held significant leadership roles at organisations such as the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Cricket Australia and The University of Melbourne, where he contributed to key initiatives and projects.
“After the passing of a remarkable leader, our namesake Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue, I am committed to honouring her legacy to support health research that is led by our people, for our people,” Mr Stewart said after his first day in the big chair last Monday.
“I also want to thank Adjunct Professor Janine Mohamed for her leadership and mentorship over the years – and I look forward to continuing our work to drive positive change to improve outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.”
Institute chair Selwyn Button said the board was proud to appoint Mr Stewart to lead the organisation through its next strategic phase.
“Mr Stewart has played a key role in championing Aboriginal-led research for our peoples,” said Mr Button.
“He brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, as well as an understanding and commitment to supporting our community-controlled organisations across the country, and we look forward to working with him to further strengthen the Institute’s role to support community-led research, and influence health research policy reform for our mobs.”
Pat Anderson AO, co-patron of Lowitja Institute, also expressed her support.
“I am very happy about this appointment. Paul … has shown dedication and commitment to social justice in health,” she said.
“I first met Paul when he was starting out on his early career working for ONEMDA at The University of Melbourne for Professor Ian Anderson. I look forward to continuing the important work of the Institute with Paul in his new role as chief executive officer.”