Dr Kati Myllymaki, a general practitioner from Finland, has been elected President of the World Medical Association for 2002-3.

She was elected at the WMA's annual General Assembly in Washington, USA, and takes office immediately.

Dr Myllymaki, a former president of the Finnish Medical Association, has been a senior medical adviser to the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health since June this year.

Dr Myllymaki was elected in a two-way contest with Dr Anders Milton, former president of the Swedish Medical Association.

Dr James Appleyard, a retired paediatrician from the British Medical Association, was elected as President for the year 2003-4.