Natalia, an accomplished medical advocate, has been appointed as the next Secretary General of the federal Australian Medical Association.

Ms Centellas (née Vukolova) will be joining the AMA on 5 December 2022, having most recently been the CEO of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR).

“The AMA Board is delighted to announce Ms Centellas as Secretary General of the federal AMA, where her deep experience in medico political advocacy and policy will be central to leading the next stage in our evolution,” said AMA federal Chair of the Board, Dr Kate Kearney.

The AMA President, Professor Stephen Robson, said the AMA was the clear voice for all the medical specialities within the profession, and Ms Centellas brings a wealth of understanding of the field of medicine, after an extensive period with RANZCR.

“Now, perhaps more than ever, we need to make sure we are standing up for Australia’s doctors who have given so much during the pandemic but are yet to receive what they need to keep the health system afloat.

“Combined with her credentials in management and governance, the AMA Board is confident Ms Centellas can continue the long list of successes secured by AMA advocacy for the medical profession,” Professor Robson said.

In addition to her work leading RANZCR across a range of positions, Ms Centellas has also been an advocate for first nations people as a manager at Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTAR), where she focussed on organisational transformation.

“I am grateful for the trust of the AMA Board and an opportunity to contribute my skills at such a critical time for our healthcare system,” Ms Centellas said.

“I look forward to collaborating across the AMA movement, the wider medical profession and with our partners and stakeholders. Together I know we can promote the incredible work doctors do every day, and advocate fiercely for better policy and funding to create an innovative and sustainable healthcare system that Australians deserve.”

Taken from AMA 1 December 2022 Media Release.