NZMA announces new Ethics Committee Chairman

NZMA Chairman Dr John Adams today announced that Dr Tony Baird is the new Chairman of the New Zealand Medical Association’s Ethics Committee.

”I am delighted on behalf of the medical profession to announce Dr Baird’s appointment. New Zealand medicine in general and the NZMA in particular are fortunate indeed that Dr Baird agreed to his name going forward to the NZMA Board for election. Not only does Dr Baird have impressive credentials for the position and vast experience, but his careful thinking, clinical competence and ability to appreciate all sides of an issue mean that he is admirably suited to the role,” says Dr Adams.

Dr Baird has had wide experience in the field of medical ethics and was closely involved in revisions of the Code of Ethics of the NZMA, the creation of the Code of Rights for Consumers of Health and Disability Services and guidelines about consent and confidentiality in HIV/AIDS.

‘The renewed interest in professionalism in medicine puts the spotlight on medical ethics as the foundation for good medical care,’ says Dr Baird. ‘In these times of continual change, a sound basis in medical ethics is essential for the medical profession to respond appropriately to the challenges that arise from restructuring, constraints on funds, rationing of services, high expectations and the specific issues such as voluntary euthanasia, budget holding, public health measures and confidentiality.

President of the Medical Council of New Zealand until recently and former chair of the NZMA, Dr Baird is in private gynaecological practice in Auckland and has a part time appointment at National Women’s Hospital.

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