Our history

For over 130 years, AMA Queensland has been a strong and trusted voice for doctors, advocating for better healthcare, supporting the profession and helping shape a healthier future for Queensland communities. We’re proud to continue supporting Queensland doctors through advocacy, leadership, education and connection – today and for generations to come.

1862

Queensland's first medical register was compiled consisting of 23 practicing doctors, including Dr Kearsey Cannan.

Image source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Neg No: 79520

1871

The Queensland Medical Society was established with Dr Joseph Bancroft as Secretary.

Image source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Neg No: 57297

1882

The Medical Society of Queensland was established with 27 original members, including Dr Kevin Izod O’Doherty as President.

Image source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Neg No: 13335

1891

Dr Lilian Cooper became the first female doctor registered in Queensland.

For 10 years, she was the only woman practising medicine in the state.

Image source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Image No: 7593-0001

1894

The inaugural meeting to form the Queensland Branch of the British Medical Association (now AMA Queensland) was held on 30 May.

Dr William Taylor was elected President.

Image source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Neg No: 135461

1896

Dr Eleanor Elizabeth Bourne became one of the first Queensland women to study medicine.

Image source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Neg No: 168869

1915

The Anzac Medical Society held its first meeting on 7 November at Gallipoli.

1926

The Bancroft Oration was established by the Queensland Branch of the British Medical Association to commemorate his life.

1928

Professor William Colin Mackenzie was presented with the inaugural Bancroft Medal.

1955

AMA Queensland acquired the L’Estrange Terrace property from Dr James Duhig.

There have been few structural changes since and AMA Queensland continues to operate from the building.

1963

The Bancroft Memorial was unveiled on 21 July to honour the contributions of Joseph Bancroft and his son Thomas Lane Bancroft as two of Australia's pioneer doctors.

1981

Emeritus Professor Tess Cramond AO OBE was elected as AMA Queensland’s first female President.

AMA Queensland was the first AMA to elect a female President.

In 2026 we were the first state to have elected ten female Presidents.

1996

Dr Chris Argent became the inaugural Chair of the AMA Queensland Committee of Doctors in Training.

2000

AMA Queensland Foundation was established as the charitable arm of AMA Queensland.

2014

AMA Queensland hosted the first annual Junior Doctor Conference to support junior doctors' professional development.

2016

AMA Queensland Committee of Doctors in Training launched the first Resident Hospital Health Check survey of junior doctors.

2020

The Queensland Government was the first Australian state to declare a public health emergency on 28 January following Queensland’s first confirmed case of COVID.

AMA Queensland took a leading role in the crisis.

2021

The AMA Queensland Ambulance Ramping Roundtable was formed to address the emergency department crisis across the state.

The State Government has since adopted most of the Ramping Action Plan.

AMA Queensland member Dr Jeannette Young was sworn in as the 27th Governor of Queensland, stepping down from her role as the state's Chief Health Officer, a role she held for 16 years.

2023

AMA Queensland LGBTQIASB+ and Climate and Sustainability Working Groups were formed.

AMA Queensland secured an amnesty for practices facing the imposition of payroll tax.

2024

Both the LNP and Labor committed to exempting general practice from payroll tax during the election campaign.

On 30 May, AMA Queensland celebrates 132 years as the state’s peak medical body.