CHICAGO — Today, the American Medical Association (AMA), the nation's largest and most influential physician organization, announced the election of Texas allergist, Susan R. Bailey, M.D., as speaker of the AMA House of Delegates.

"I am truly honored to serve this incredible profession as speaker of the House of Delegates," said Dr. Bailey. "My past four years as vice speaker have been extremely rewarding and energizing and I look forward to continuing our robust work to improve the health of our nation together."

Dr. Bailey brings more than 20 years of experience and expertise into this new role. Since 1988, she has been in the private practice of allergy and clinical immunology in Fort Worth, Texas.

Dr. Bailey has held numerous leadership positions at the AMA over the years including her current roles on the AMA Board of Trustees Audit Committee, the Committee on Awards and Nominations, and as chair of the Membership Committee. Additionally, she represents the AMA on the COLA board of directors. Prior to serving as AMA's vice speaker, Dr. Bailey served two terms on the AMA's Council on Medical Education and served as its chair. She was also a member of the AMA's Advisory Panel to the Women in Medicine Project, the committee that laid the foundation for today's AMA's Women's Physician Section.

Previously, Dr. Bailey served as president of both the Texas Medical Association and Tarrant County Medical Society. She also served as vice speaker and speaker of the more than 400-member Texas Medical Association House of Delegates as well as for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology House of Delegates.

She completed her residency and fellowship training at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. She graduated with honors from Texas A&M University College of Medicine. Dr. Bailey is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, and is a Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.