The head of the American Medical Association for the past decade will be stepping down next year when his contract ends.

The doctors lobby said Thursday Dr. Michael Maves, who has served as executive vice president and CEO since 2001, will leave June 30, 2011.

"Under Dr. Maves' leadership, the American Medical Association restored its financial stability, weathered the recession and implemented a number of critical initiatives to improve quality of care, increase access to care and establish a fair system of payment for physicians within the Medicare program," Dr. Ardis Hoven, chair of the Board of Trustees, said in prepared remarks.

The group made the announcement days before its semi-annual meeting is set to begin in San Diego.

The board said it is looking for a replacement to take over a soon as Maves exits.

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