WONCA News April 2024

VOL 50 | NUMBER 3

NEWS

2024 A P R I L

WONCA NEWS

NEWS

WONCA PRESIDENT ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR KAREN FLEGG (AUSTRALIA) EMAIL: PRESIDENT@WONCA.NET

CONTENT FROM THE PRESIDENT

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MONTEGUT AWARDS

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WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY 2024

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WICC 50+ YEAR REUNION

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IN MEMORIUM

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REGIONAL PRESIDENT, WONCA AFRICA DR JANE FRANCES NAMATOVU (UGANDA)

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPDATES

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REGIONAL PRESIDENT, WONCA ASIA PACIFIC DR. BRIAN CHANG (TAIWAN)

WONCA CONFERENCES

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REGIONAL PRESIDENT, WONCA EAST MEDITERRANEAN DR ABDULAZIZ MAHMOOD NASSER AL-MAHREZI (OMAN)

YDM NEWSLETTER

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EYFDM

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WAYNAKAY

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SPICE ROUTE

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AL RAZI

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AFRIWON

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RAJAKUMAR

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POLARIS

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PRESIDENT-ELECT DR VIVIANA MARTINEZ BIANCHI (US/ARGENTINA) WONCA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT & WHO LIAISON DR ANNA STAVDAL (NORWAY) EXECUTIVE MEMBER AT LARGE & HONORARY TREASURER DR STEVE MOWLE (UK) EXECUTIVE MEMBER AT LARGE ADJ PROFESSOR KAREN PRICE (AUSTRALIA) EXECUTIVE MEMBER AT LARGE DR MARÍA PILAR ASTIER PEÑA (SPAIN)

REGIONAL PRESIDENT, WONCA EUROPE PROF SHLOMO VINKER (ISRAEL) REGIONAL PRESIDENT, WONCA IBEROAMERICANACIMF DR DORA PATRICIA BERNAL OCAMPO (COLOMBIA) REGIONAL PRESIDENT, WONCA NORTH AMERICA DR VICTOR K NG (CANADA) REGIONAL PRESIDENT, WONCA SOUTH ASIA DR KANAPATHIPILLAI SRI RANJAN (SRI LANKA) YOUNG DOCTORS' REPRESENTATIVE DR CHAN YUEN CHING CHERYL (HONG KONG) WONCA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DR HARRIS LYGIDAKIS WONCA WORLD SECRETARIAT WORLD ORGANIZATION OF FAMILY DOCTORS AVENUE DES ARTS 7-8 1210 BRUSSELS BELGIUM EMAIL: SECRETARIAT@WONCA.NET PHONE: +32 (0) 2 329 00 75 WONCA EDITOR DIARMUID HAYES EMAIL: COMMUNICATIONS@WONCA.NET COVER PHOTO KIDS PLAY ON THE GARBAGE DUMP CLOSE TO THEIR HOME. SLUM AREA IN TONDO, MANILA, PHILIPPINES WHO / ANNA KARI

WONCA NEWS

FROM THE PRESIDENT A P R I L 2 0 2 4

A S S O C P R O F K A R E N F L E G G WONCA PRESIDENT

PHC + SHC → UHC Primary Health Care plus Sustainable Health Care will lead to the WHO goal of Universal Health Coverage.

This was my conclusion after attending a meeting of The Lancet Commission on Sustainable Healthcare, in Singapore, this month.

This Lancet Commission is dedicated to facilitating a rapid transition to low-carbon, sustainable, resilient health systems and I am lucky to be on its Executive Committee.

Immediate Past Chair of our WONCA Working Party on Planetary Health, Enrique Barros (Brazil), is on one of the Commission’s working groups and was also present.

Lancet Commission Healthcare (LCSH)

on

Sustainable

Sustainable healthcare systems provide universal access to appropriate care that optimises health and wellbeing for patients and communities, as well as for future generations, by delivery of care that is needed, wanted, clinically effective, affordable, equitable, responsible in its use of resources, and functioning within planetary boundaries.

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3 Photo: WONCA President, Karen Flegg with one of our WONCA Planetary Health leaders, Enrique Barros, in Singapore

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Sustainable healthcare systems provide universal access to appropriate care that optimises health and wellbeing for patients and communities, as well as for future generations, by delivery of care that is needed, wanted, clinically effective, affordable, equitable, responsible in its use of resources, and functioning within planetary boundaries.

May 19 is World Family Doctor Day (WFDD).

The meeting was a strong reminder of the fact that health care is a major emitter of environmental pollutants that adversely affect health. The healthcare industry is responsible for nearly 5.2% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and similar fractions of toxic air pollutants. Health care pollution harms public health, yet remains under-appreciated and largely unaddressed, despite the professional mandate to "first, do no harm". For more facts see the key findings of the 2023 report of the Lancet Countdown.

This year’s theme fits my own ‘green’ agenda for WONCA - “healthy planet, healthy people”.

World Family Doctor Day 2024 – healthy planet, healthy people

Since its declaration by WONCA in 2010, FDD has become an annual celebration that recognises the central role of Family Doctors in delivering personal, comprehensive, and continuous health care to patients. It’s a chance for all family doctors of the world to celebrate what we do.

This theme highlights the intrinsic connection between the health of our planet and the well-being of our patients, emphasising the critical role primary healthcare can play in promoting sustainable health practices.

Family doctors can make a real difference by adopting environmentally friendly practices in their clinics and guiding patients on how to protect their health while also caring for the planet.

ENRIQUE BARROS - MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH “ONE MINUTE FOR THE PLANET” Enrique Barros (pictured overleaf with the president) promotes the concept of “one minute for the planet” with his patients.

Enrique gives us an example of using this concept: “Today, while I excised three basal cell carcinomas from a former family farmer, I explained how his cancer was associated with the historical ozone hole above southern Brazil, secondary to pollution.

Then, I talked about stopping pollution to avoid climate change and worsening storms and landslides in our region. He nodded. It took me only one minute for the planet.”

WORKING PARTY ON PLANETARY HEALTH AND WFDD Our WONCA Working Party on Planetary Health proposes several initiatives for WFDD. They intend to survey WONCA member organisations (MOs) to understand their contribution to planetary health. I encourage all MO representatives to respond.

For individuals, the Working Party hopes to collect stories on planetary health actions in work settings, from family doctors around the world. The aim is to share the best practices related to planetary health among our family doctor community and compile some of the best examples into a book and videos.

The Working Party is also moving forward with a webinar series.

I encourage everyone to get involved and celebrate World Family Doctor Day on May 19. If you want to browse previous years’ reports for ideas they are available here. Here are some of my favourite posters from years gone by.

A S S O C P R O F K A R E N F L E G G WONCA PRESIDENT

World Family Doctor Day posters: Portugal, 2017.

Hong Kong, 2018. Nigeria, 2020.

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MONTEGUT S C H O L A R

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SUPPORTED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF FAMILY MEDICINE FOUNDATION

We are pleased to announce that the application for the Montegut Global Scholar Program (MGSP), sponsored by the American Board of Family Medicine Foundation, is now open!

The Montegut Global Scholars Program (MGSP) was established by the American Board of Family Medicine Foundation (ABFMF) in 2010. The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The ABFM-F is a supporting organisation of the ABFM. Its primary mission is to support the ABFM’s research and scholarly activities.

ALAIN MONTEGUT MD

A PROGRAM FOR WONCA MEETING ATTENDANCE The MGSP was established to foster international education, research, and collaboration in the specialty of family medicine. It will support the attendance of family physicians from Africa, Asia Pacific, East Mediterranean, Europe, Iberoamericana, North America, and South Asia Regions of the international organization of family physicians (WONCA) to any WONCA regional or rual conference of 2024

APPLY NOW The application deadline is Monday 15 April May 2023. No applications will be accepted after the deadline.

Applications will be reviewed by the MGSP Regional Committees and the selected regional candidates will be shared with ABFM for final approval of the Scholarship winners.

FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE

Before making your application for the Montegut Global Scholar Program please review the MGCP Policies 2024.

The Montegut Global Scholars Program (MGSP) was established by the ABFM-F in April 2010. It was named in honor of Alain Montegut, M.D., a member of the Board of Directors of the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) from 2005-2010 and whose career has been devoted to developing high quality family medicine practice internationally, especially in underserved and/or undeveloped countries.

DEADLINE: MONDAY 15 APRIL 2024 APPLY NOW 6

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As we move closer to World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) on May 19, 2024, our collective effort towards the "Healthy Planet, Healthy People" campaign gains momentum. This initiative is a testament to our commitment as family doctors to not only care for our patients but also for the planet that sustains us all. In this update, we outline the progress and invite further participation in making a significant impact.

MAIN MESSAGES

1 HEALTH AND HUMAN HEALTH

THE LINK BETWEEN PLANETARY

The intricate connection between the health of our planet and the well-being of its people cannot be overstated. As the Earth faces unprecedented environmental challenges, from climate change to pollution and habitat destruction, the repercussions on human health become increasingly dire. These environmental changes contribute to a rise in communicable and non-communicable diseases, impact mental health, and exacerbate health disparities.

By understanding and emphasizing this connection, family doctors can play a pivotal role in educating patients and communities about how protecting the environment directly benefits their health. This understanding can inspire changes in lifestyle and community practices that support both planetary and human health.

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2 IN OBSERVING AND

THE ROLE OF FAMILY DOCTORS RESPONDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS.

Family doctors witness the health impacts of climate change firsthand, from increased respiratory illnesses due to pollution to the spread of vector-borne diseases with changing climates. Their observations are crucial for understanding and combating the health effects of environmental changes. By documenting these impacts and leading by example in sustainable practices, family doctors can make significant contributions to mitigating climate change's health risks.

3 PRACTICES

SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE

Sustainability in healthcare ensures that future generations can access care without depleting the planet's resources. Family doctors can lead the charge by adopting ecofriendly practices, reducing waste, and promoting primary care as a sustainable healthcare model. Primary care, focused on prevention and efficient management of conditions, minimizes the environmental burden of healthcare. Advocating for these practices, family doctors support a healthcare system that is sustainable, accessible, and equitable.

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WONCA NEWS

PROGRESS AND UPCOMING INITIATIVES A video is in production, with collaboration from the secretariat, Working Party on Planetary Health, and the Young Doctors Movement. This flagship piece aims to visually communicate our campaign's key messages and inspire action.

Webinars and press releases are in the final stages of preparation. These will serve as valuable resources for education, engagement, and advocacy, further amplifying our campaign's reach.

The campaign's mini website is set to launch today, becoming the central hub for information, social media resources, and engagement opportunities.

A UNIFIED VOICE ON MAY 19 We are poised to make a resounding impact on May 19, speaking with one voice for the health of our planet and patients. The dedication and enthusiasm of our community are the driving forces behind this campaign.

Together, let's inspire change and foster a healthier future for our planet and the communities we serve.

worldfamilydoctorday.org

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Visit our campaign website.

worldfamilydoctorday.org AS 19 MAY APPROACHES, WE WILL BE UPDATING THIS SITE WITH A VIDEO, SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT AND STORIES FROM FAMILY DOCTORS WORDLWIDE.

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: SHARE YOUR IMPACTFUL STORIES FOR WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY 2024 We extend an open invitation for you to contribute your stories on three areas: Sustainable Healthcare Solutions: Tell us about the eco-friendly practices you've integrated into your healthcare settings, from waste reduction efforts to energy conservation and beyond.

Climate Change and Health: Share insights on how climate change is affecting health within your communities and the measures you're taking to combat these challenges.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health: Highlight your work in promoting biodiversity and safeguarding ecosystem health, both in healthcare environments and the community at large.

Please send your submissions, ranging from 300 to 500 words along with up to three photographs, to communications@wonca.net. Selected stories will be spotlighted across WONCA's social media platforms.

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WONCA INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION COMMITTEE: 50+ YEARS REUNION WITH HISTORICAL LEADERS AND FORMER MEMBERS The WONCA International Classification Committee (WICC) was established alongside WONCA in 1972 and boasts a history spanning over 50 years. On May 24, from 11:00 to 13:00 CET, we will host a Zoom meeting featuring key leaders who have significantly contributed to this history, including Niels Bentzen, Erik Falko, Marc Jamoulle, Thomas Kuehlein, Kees van Boven, and Juan Gérvas. This meeting offers an invaluable opportunity for those who utilize the classifications to gain deeper insights into their origins. Additionally, we will explore the future of this critical domain for family medicine and patient care.

WICC meeting

Read more about the history of the Wonca International Classification Committee.

PLEASE NOTE:

Date: 24 May 2024 Time: 11:00 - 13:00 (CET) 09:00 - 11:00 (UTC)

THE LAST E-UPDATE CONTAINED THE WRONG INFO.

Register to attend this meeting

CALL FOR NEW MEMBERS The Wonca International Classification Committee (WICC) was founded in 1972 together with Wonca. Throughout its history it has produced and maintained the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC), developing, and disseminating it throughout the world. WICC also developed the Wonca Dictionary for General/Family Practice. WICC has collaborated with many global organisations, particularly with the World Health Organization (WHO). ICPC-2 is a member of the WHO Family of International Classifications.

WICC meets every year and in 2024 will have a face-to-face meeting in Newcastle (United Kingdom) between 22 and 24 September.

The world of classifications has changed rapidly with the use of computers in consultations and, more recently, with the use of artificial intelligence. Almost every family doctor is able to use a classification in their health record and we need to be protagonists in the decision-making process of how data is collected during consultations and analysed. That's why we're inviting your national association to send a representative as an observer to the WICC annual meeting. The scientific program for the meeting will include a historical review of classifications in primary care and future projections.

For more information, please contact Gustavo Gusso Chair of Wonca International Classification Committee gustavo.gusso@usp.br

Professor, Dr. Gustavo Gusso WICC Chair

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Our esteemed colleague Professor Paul Wallace sadly passed away on 28 February 2024. We offer our condolences to his wife Sabrina and family.

Paul was loved and respected by many, well known as a general practitioner, as well as academic researcher and teacher. Paul qualified as a physician in 1976, and as a GP in 1981, parallelly qualifying in epidemiology.

He became Professor of Primary Care at University College London in 1993. All the time of his academic career, for 30 years, he also took care of patients as a general practitioner, until his retirement in 2012.

As director of the International Training Course for General Practitioners from 19911997, he formed many of the later leaders of family medicine in Europe.

To many, including several members of the current WONCA Europe executive board, Paul was a dedicated mentor, always approachable and ready to share his reflections and experience.

WONCA NEWS

As president of EGPRN and many years as an active past president, Paul invested his time and energy into general practice research capacity building on an international scale and inspired young GP researchers.

Later, he also became a leader in building up family medicine in Palestine, involved in the Arab American University.

In 2012, he co-founded the Foundation for Family Medicine in Palestine. Through the Foundation, Paul has played a major role in developing primary care infrastructure and provision in an area in desperate need.

Paul was a forward-looking pioneer and leader of many developments in general practice and general practice research, for example practice based research networks and digital care interventions, as well as detecting and treating addiction issues in primary care settings.

He will be missed and remembered.

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ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN WONCA EUROPE NEWSLETTER

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With deep sadness and tears, we must share the news of Marc's passing.

A beloved husband, father, and remarkable general practitioner. A person where compassion met intellect and empathy intertwined with expertise.

Marc was more than just a doctor; he was a beacon of person-centered care, a staunch advocate for the narrative of the patient. In his practice, he held steadfast to the belief that understanding the person behind the illness was paramount to effective healing.

His patients were not merely cases to be solved but individuals deserving of respect, dignity, and personalized attention.

Marc believed in using both evidence-based medicine and thoughtful reflection.He understood the importance of data but

WONCA NEWS

also recognized its limitations. With an unwavering commitment to his patients' well-being, Marc combined the rigors of science with the art of listening, ensuring that a treatment plan was tailored to the unique needs and preferences and approval of those under his care.

Beyond his clinical duties, Marc was deeply engaged in the advancement of registration and classification in the field of primary care.

As a long-standing member of the WONCA International Classification Committee, he played a pivotal role in shaping the future of medical classification. His dedication to the development of ICPC3 exemplified his tireless efforts to ensure that primary care physicians had access to accurate and comprehensive diagnostic tools, enhancing the quality of care delivered to patients worldwide.

In Marc's passing, we mourn not only the loss of a skilled physician but also a compassionate healer, a mentor, and a friend. His absence leaves a void in our hearts. Yet, as we reflect on his life and legacy, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.

Rest in peace, dear Marc. Your legacy will continue to inspire the bounds of medicine.

On behalf of WICC, Diego Schrans On behalf of the WONCA ICPC Foundation, Kees Van Boven

ADVANCING WOMEN'S EXCELLENCE IN FAMILY MEDICINE: A LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR EMERGING LEADERS Worldwide, women increasingly represent the majority in family medicine, yet global leadership development targeting specifically junior family physician women leaders is lacking. This course will foster leadership development for women emerging into family medicine leadership roles globally.

Course participants will develop critical skills to support their leadership journey as they advance the discipline of family medicine, while working together to address the challenges unique to emerging women leaders.

When: Oct 24 – Dec 12, 2024 – delivered in 6, 90-minute synchronous sessions Delivery: Hybrid – synchronous and asynchronous content.

Includes: Flipped classroom model Weekly synchronous content (90 minutes of small group discussion moderated by DFCM faculty, Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM EST) Weekly asynchronous content for selfstudy Who: Current or emerging early to midcareer women leaders in family medicine from around the world.

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REGISTER HERE For more information, please contact Jamie Rodas, MPH dfcm.globalhealth@utoronto.ca Global Health and Social Accountability Department of Family and Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.

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WEBINAR: MY FIRST YEAR AS A GRADUATE AND MY WORK ENVIRONMENT Join us for an enriching panel discussion on "My first year as a graduate and my work environment," featuring experiences from recent graduates. Save the date for April 13, 2024, at 16:00 GMT, and connect with us on Facebook to be part of the conversation.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights and advice!

SATURDAY 13 APRIL 2024 CHILE 13:00 HRS COLOMBIA 11:00 HRS COSTA RICA 10:00 HRS CUBA 12:00 HRS BOLIVIA 12:00 HRS BRAZIL 13:00 HRS ECUADOR 11:00 HRS MEXICO 10:00 HRS PERU 11:00 HRS URUGUAY 13:00 HRS

WATCH ON FACBOOK

Enhance your communication expertise in healthcare with EACH: International Association for Communication in Healthcare's latest educational offerings.

Dive into our comprehensive, cost-free webinars or engage in structured courses tailored for healthcare professionals.

Upcoming Highlights April 2024

Mark Your Calendars September 2024

16th April: Join our HCER webinar to explore the gap between communication skills taught and those applied in clinical settings, particularly when delivering difficult news.

16th April: Discover the catalysts of international collaborations in our rEACH Connectivity Webinar Series.

9th-13th September: Don’t miss the International Conference on Communication in Healthcare 2024.

25th-28th September: Be part of the WONCA Europe Conference.

See the full list of EACH courses here 13

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MINDFUL LIVING: NCD PREVENTION IN EUROPE WORLD PATIENTS ALLIANCE On 17 April, 1:00 PM UTC, the World Patients Alliance will host a webinar on combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through mindful living. This session will delve into lifestyle medicine's essential role in preventing NCDs, highlighting the importance of diet, physical activity, mental health, and effective patient-doctor communication.

Learn from experts like Arnout Wouters (Diabetes Liga), Professor Wojciech Drygas (National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw Poland), Jolanta Bilińska (World Patients Alliance) and our own Joao Sequeira Carlo (WONCA Special Interest Group on NCDs) and discover how patient organizations contribute to diabetes prevention. Join us to explore strategies for a healthier, NCD-free future.

JOAO SEQUEIRA CARLOS (Portugal) Co-convenor WONCA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP ON NCDs

Register today to be part of this insightful discussion.

“WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO WHAT PROMISES TO BE AN ENLIGHTENING AND ENGAGING CONFERENCE.”

Fatima Zohra MCHICH ALAMI President of the National Collective of General Practitioners of Morocco

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WHO TOOLKIT FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: COMMUNICATING ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently unveiled a significant resource, "Communicating on Climate Change and Health: Toolkit for Health Professionals," a timely release as we approach World Family Doctor Day on May 19. This year, the day is dedicated to the theme of Planetary Health, highlighting the critical intersection of global environmental conditions and human health. The toolkit is especially relevant, providing health and care workers with crucial insights and strategies to navigate conversations around climate change, a pressing issue in planetary health.

Dr. Maria Neira, from WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Health, underscored the pivotal role of health professionals in the climate dialogue during the toolkit's launch. She emphasized their trusted status in society and the imperative to leverage this trust to elevate awareness and advocacy around climate change, making it clear that this is very much within their sphere of influence.

Echoing the urgency of the situation, Remy Shergill of Australia's Climate and Health Alliance introduced the toolkit by reiterating the dual nature of climate change as both the foremost global health threat of our century and the most significant health opportunity. She addressed concerns about health professionals discussing climate change without being climate scientists, reassuring them of their authority to talk about public health challenges. Shergill's message aligns with the theme of Planetary Health, advocating for health as a powerful lens through which to engage with climate change issues.

communications to various audiences, whether they're speaking to colleagues, policymakers, or patients. The guide underscores the importance of simplicity, relevance to local contexts, and the avoidance of jargon. It also highlights the potential for climate action to foster health benefits, advocating for storytelling and positive engagement to connect with and empower audiences.

The toolkit is crafted to be accessible and actionoriented, providing practical advice rather than a dense academic review. It encourages health professionals to tailor their climate change

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BURSARY UBUNTU 2024 The organizing committee for Ubuntu 2024 invites you to apply for assistance to cover your registration fee (ONLY). Accommodation and travel expenses are excluded and will be the responsibility of the person.

The Office of the Secretariat will register successful applications; no funds will be distributed to individuals. To ensure your final registration, you must submit evidence of lodging and transport. You will need to bring your passport and an authorized VISA (if necessary).

Closing date for applications: 12 May 2024

APPLY

UBUNTU PODCAST

YouTube NEW ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE ORAL PRESENTATIONS & FREE PAPER SESSIONS 14 APRIL 2024 www.ubuntu2024.com

Spotify

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Apple Podcast

8TH WONCA AFRICA REGION CONFERENCE NAIROBI, KENYA. 5 - 7 JUNE 2024

STANDARD REGISTRATION CLOSES 30 APRIL 2024

"Together, we will beat the drum of transformation, and the rhythm of our collective efforts will echo across the African continent. Welcome (Karibu) the 8th WONCA Africa Region Conference, at the Emara OleSereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya."

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DR. JOY K. MUGAMBI, FAMILY PHYSICIAN, CHAIR KENYA ASSOCIATION OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS, CHAIR 8TH WONCA AFRICA CONFERENCE 2024,

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WONCA ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE 2024 SINGAPORE Join us at the WONCA APR Conference 2024 in Singapore from August 21-24, to explore the latest in Family Medicine.

Connect with healthcare professionals and immerse in a multicultural experience while delving into primary care innovations.

The theme for this year’s Conference is “Art & Science of Family Medicine” as we aim to focus on the myriad ways of approaching and practising Family Medicine, which will enable us to provide the best all-round care for our patients.

Early Bird Registration is open until 1 July 2024.

Don’t miss out on the premier event for family doctors in Asia-Pacific!

DR WONG TIEN HUA PRESIDENT COLLEGE OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS SINGAPORE

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WONCA EUROPE CONFERENCE: ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED We are pleased to announce that the abstract submission deadline has been extended, giving you more time to present your research. Take advantage of the extended deadline and submit your abstract today!

For more information visit: www.woncaeurope2024.org

The revised deadline for abstract submission is now 22 April 2024.

Additionally, we're thrilled to announce the first keynote speakers for WONCA Europe Conference 2024 in Dublin: Dr. Karen Flegg, Prof. María Pilar Astier-Peña, Prof. Susan Smith, and Prof. Shlomo Vinker. Each brings a wealth of experience in family medicine, promising vibrant discussions and valuable insights into the field's evolving nature.

25 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2024.

DUBLIN, IRELAND.

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STANDARD REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 15TH APRIL 2024

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 15TH APRIL 2024

WISHING OUR COLLEAGUES IN THE SOUTH ASIA REGION A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA! 23

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WONCA Conferences 2024

CONFERENCES

03 - 05 MAY 2024

WONCA South Asia Region Conference 2024 COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

05 - 08 JUNE 2024

8th WONCA Africa Region Conference 2024 NAIROBI, KENYA

21 - 24 AUGUST 2024

WONCA Asia Pacific Region Conference 2024 SINGAPORE

10 - 13 SEPTEMBER 2024

WONCA Rural - Ubuntu 2024 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

25 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2024

29th WONCA Europe Conference 2024 DUBLIN, IRELAND

OCTOBER 2024

WONCA East Mediterranean Conference 2024 LOCATION TBC

24 - 26 OCTOBER 2024

WONCA Iberoamerican - CIMF Region Conference 2024 PAMANA CITY, PANAMA

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WONCA YOUNG DOCTOR MOVEMENT NEWSLETTER

We have some exciting updates and news to share with all of you regarding the recent activities of the WONCA Young Doctor Movement (YDM).

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sankha Randenikumara for his dedicated service as the YDM lead. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Chan Yuen Ching, Cheryl, from Hong Kong, has taken over as the new YDM lead. We warmly welcome Dr. Chan and look forward to her valuable contributions.

WONCA SYDNEY PRECONFERENCE We are delighted to inform you that the WONCA Sydney Preconference was successfully held just before the WONCA World Conference. The event had an overwhelming response from the young doctors around the globe and was filled with insightful discussions, engaging sessions, and networking opportunities.

The YDM preconference consisted of showcasing YDM activities of all regions, experience sharing by senior colleagues and parallel workshops. One of the highlights was the YDM market place, which provided a platform for young doctors to connect with WONCA working parties (WPs) and special interest groups (SIGs) to get engage with their innovative ideas and projects.

Photos: Cheryl and Sankha. YDM at Sydney pre-conference

SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE To enhance our communication and engagement with young doctors worldwide, we have created a new Instagram page named "woncaydm". Welcome to follow us if you haven’t!

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New YDM Committee for 2023-2025 biennium DR CHAN YUEN CHING CHERYL

WONCA YOUNG DOCTORS’ REPRESENTATIVE

DR MERCY WANJALA

AFRIWON RENAISSANCE MOVEMENT REPRESENTATIVE

DR ADEL YASKY

AL-RAZI MOVEMENT REPRESENTATIVE

DR STUART HOLMES

EUROPEAN YOUNG FAMILY DOCTORS’ MOVEMENT (EYFDM) REPRESENTATIVE

DR BRUNEE DORSETT

POLARIS MOVEMENT REPRESENTATIVE

DR CHANG PINGHSUN

THE RAJAKUMAR MOVEMENT (TRM) REPRESENTATIVE

DR KINLEY BHUTI

TREASURER & SPICE ROUTE MOVEMENT (SRM) REPRESENTATIVE

DR BRANDO CANTU

SECRETARY & WAYNAKAY MOVEMENT REPRESENTATIVE

CHANGE OF ASPIRE CHAIR We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Uma Senthilkumar for her outstanding leadership as the ASPIRE Chair. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Beesan Maraqa has been approved as the new ASPIRE Chair by the YDM committee. Congratulations, Dr. Maraqa, on your new role!

WONCA MEMBERSHIP PORTAL

Photo: Dr Beesan Maraqa (Palestine) , ASPIRE Chair

To streamline our membership processes and facilitate better communication, YDM is going to open their group on the WONCA Membership Portal soon to the membership of regional YDMs. We have conducted WONCA membership portal training for all regional chairs by now and ready to welcome members.

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We have conducted WONCA membership portal training for all regional chairs by now and ready to welcome members. We have sent invitations to young doctors in different YDM regions to join the WONCA portal. The portal will serve as a unique social media platform to the young doctors to communicate effectively, share information and also as a resource repository.

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APPOINTMENT OF NEW YOUNG DOCTOR LIAISONS We are pleased to announce the appointment of two more young doctors as liaisons for specific Working Parties. Dr. Nathaly Velasquez (Peru) has been appointed as the YD liaison for WP on Planetary Health, and Dr. Avni Patel (Malaysia) has been appointed as the YD liaison for WP on Ethics and Professionalism.

We congratulate both of them on their new roles and wish them success in their endeavors.

Dr Avni Patel (Malaysia), YD liaison for WP on Ethics and Professionalism

Dr. Nathaly Velasquez (Peru), YD liaison for WP on Planetary Health

ADVOCACY

ASCO INTERVIEW

I am happy to share some recent advocacy efforts by the YDM team. Our representative Dr Cheryl Chan attended a meeting with the UNODC Access to controlled medicines team on 16th January 2024. The focus of the meeting was on establishing the Young Doctors' Network to address the current situation surrounding controlled medicines and barriers to access. Furthermore, Dr Cheryl Chan delivered an online lecture at the Family Medicine Residency Conference in Mexico on 24th January 2024, emphasising the role of family physicians as the centre of healthcare

Dr Chan had the opportunity to represent young family doctors in an interview with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Regional Leadership Development: Asia Pacific. The interview discussed a project on general practitioner training for improving cancer diagnosis and care in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region.

POLARIS

NORTHAMERICAN REGION

LATIONAMERICAN REGION

Join your region's Young Doctors Movement!

EUROPE REGION

EAST MEDITERRANEAN REGION

AFRICA REGION

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SOUTH ASIA REGION

ASIA PACIFIC REGION

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EYFDM UPDATE

OCTOBER 2023 – MARCH 2024 PARTICIPATION IN WONCA WORLD AND THE YDM PRE-CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 2023 Around 20 EYFDM members attended WONCA World and the YDM pre-conference in Sydney, Australia in October 2023. We were well represented in the scientific programme with EYFDM members delivering many workshops, oral presentations, and posters.

NEW SHOOTS FOR EXCHANGES Eight EYFDM members have done reciprocal exchanges within Europe over this period, the UK hosted a conference exchange for EYFDM members and we have arranged the first FM 360 inter-continental exchange (Sweden-Sri Lanka) since the Covid-19 pandemic. EYFDM has also restarted the Bridge Project, to connect young doctors across borders to work on areas of shared interest.

PLANNING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD The EYFDM Executive met in Istanbul, Turkiye in November 2023 to plan our activity for the year ahead. This was a fruitful weekend, and we also had the privilege to meet some Turkish EYFDM members for a lovely meal.

Photo: EYFDM online council meeting, January 2024.

ONLINE MEETING OF EYFDM COUNCIL IN JANUARY 2024 The EYFDM council, comprising national representatives from each country in the European region, met online in January 2024. We caught up, discussed upcoming events and chose the location for our 9th Forum, which will take place in the Grand Région in spring 2025. This forum will be a collaboration between EYFDM members from Luxembourg, France and Germany,

and will take place over a weekend with a foot in each of these three countries. Surely an event not to miss, put the date in your diary now (25-27 April 2025)!

PLANNING FOR OUR NEXT EVENT EYFDM’s next event is our 8th Forum, taking place in Vienna, Austria on 12-13th April 2024.

We are planning for an EYFDM council meeting which will take place then, as well as a pre-conference exchange and the Forum itself, which will be inspiring and invigorating.

EYFDM Executive at our planning weekend in Istanbul, November 2023.

Regional YDM leads at the pre-conference in Sydney, October 2023.

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UPDATE

DECEMBER 2023 – FEBRUARY 2024 REVIEW OF THE MOVEMENTS Waynakay Movement activities during 2010.

Panamá

began

Waynakay Movement Argentina has been working hard on grouping Argentinian Family Medicine YDM seeking excellence in the practice of the specialty.

Waynakay Movement Peru began activities during 2010. Their mission: strengthen the specialty of Family Medicine in Peru, promoting leadership, medical education, research and exchange of young doctors.

Waynakay Movement Ecuador was born on April 13, 2018 in the city of Quito, Ecuador, within the framework of the “I International Congress of Family Medicine”, organized by the SEMF. Ameyali Waynakay México began activities during 2010 at a National Family Medicine Medical Residents Symposium.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD Waynakay Movement Panamá was present during the activities for the Seminar for medical students in November 2023 and the UP-Medicine Student Congress 2023.

Last year the Waynakay Movement Argentina collaborated in the planning for the National Residents Gathering carried out by Family Medicine residents from the province of Misiones. One of the members, participated in Sydney 2023, for the WONCA rising star award.

Waynakay Movement Peru participated recently in a medical brigade was provided in a solidarity medical campaign for the Holidays Christmas with the support of the social actors of the population of San Jerónimo – Huancayo – Junín. Our members participated in the presentation of research posters during the International Congress of Family Medicine Dominican Republic.

Some of the latest activities for Waynakay Movement Ecuador include Virtual Library Update - Resource under the academic commission, updating an Academic Blog, along with the presence of international meetings with the Waynakay Movement Research Group in order to actively participate in research processes with our specialty peers.

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These last months, Ameyali Waynakay México has continued with the monthly sessions, focused on the first level of care, with the participation of family doctors and other specialists. 7 new members have been included in our workforce, thanks to the efforts of the recruitment commission; a great alliance with the Mexican Association of General Medicine and Familiar A.C., has been made. And we will be aiding the organization for the National Family Medicine Symposium for 2024 and 2025.

Dr Brando Cantu Chair, Waynakay Movement

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WONCA NEWS

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OCTOBER 2023 – MARCH 2024 PARTICIPATION IN WONCA WORLD AND THE YDM PRE-CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 2023 GPs around the world attended WONCA World Conference at Sydney, Australia in October 2023. We had many of our colleagues from our regions representing us at the YDM pre-conference. We were well represented in the scientific programme with Spice Route members delivering many oral presentations and posters.

M O V E M E N T S

WONCA NEWS

Photo: Spice Route members at the preconference in Sydney, October 2023

FORMING A TEAM A dynamic team is very important for any organisation or council. Likewise as all our previous members were graduating from young doctors (within the 5 years from MDGP), we had to form a new dynamic council members. After the successful nomination of council members, we had our first council meeting on 27th January where we discussed and started planning by allocating important world Health Day celebrations to each country.

Spice Route SAR council members

REVIVING OUR WEBSITE The regional chair, web/image coordinator and volunteer web designers met several times virtually and are working closely for reviving and renewing our Spice Route website.

www.spiceroute.org UPCOMING WONCA SAR CONFERENCE SRI LANKA, MAY 2024

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We are also closely working with our Past YDM leads for the upcoming YDM Pre-conference at Sri Lanka SAR WONCA Conference May 2024. We are looking forward for a fruitful session and learn each other from the sharing of experiences.

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AL-RAZI MOVEMENT UPDATE OCTOBER 2023 – MARCH 2024 COUNCIL MEETING AND ELECTION OF NEW CHAIR The Al-Razi Executive Council convened in November 2023 to announce the outcomes of the recent nominations and to proceed with the election of the new chair for the Young Doctors' Movement (YDM). With two candidates nominated, the council members cast their votes to determine the new leadership.

In December, it was with great pleasure that we announced Dr. Adel Yasky from Saudi Arabia as the newly elected chair of Al-Razi YDM for the 2023-2025 biennium. Dr. Adel has been serving as the Saudi Arabian representative since 2018 and took on the role of YDM secretary in 2021, showcasing his dedication and commitment to the movement.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW SECRETARY (VICE CHAIR) Dr. Marwa Al Raisi from Oman has been elected as the vice chair for the 2023-2025 biennium. Representing Oman, Dr. Marwa has been an active and effective member of the YDM since 2022, contributing significantly to its initiatives.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FORMULATION We are pleased to announce the new executive council for the YDM, consisting of the following distinguished members: Vice Chair: Dr. Marwa Al Raisi (Oman) Treasurer: Dr. Adnane Alaoui Ismaili (Morocco) Members: Dr. Bessan Maraqa (Palestine) Dr. Yusuf Al-Tahoo (Bahrain) Dr. Ola Suleiman (Syria) Dr. Haneen Taher (Jordan) Immediate Past Chair: Dr. Anas Almohtaseb (Jordan)

Photo: Dr. Adel Yasky (Saudi Arabia), chair of Al-Razi Movement, 2023 - 2025.

ASPIRE PROGRAM LEADERSHIP The ASPIRE program, an initiative of the Young Doctors' Movement (YDM), was launched with the goal of enhancing the connections of young family doctors with the global family medicine community. This enhancement comes through a variety of channels, including educational workshops, conferences, and research activities.

NEW ASPIRE PROGRAM WORLDWIDE LEAD Dr. Bessan Maraqa from Palestine has been nominated and approved as the new ASPIRE program worldwide lead. Dr. Maraqa is expected to continue her outstanding contributions and leadership efforts in this vital role.

REGIONAL ASPIRE LEAD Dr. Daniyah Al-Ghaithi from Saudi Arabia has been nominated for the position of regional Al-Razi YDM representative, promising to bring fresh perspectives and leadership to the role.

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6TH MOROCCAN MEDICINE IN ARABIC CONFERENCE The 6th Moroccan Medicine in Arabic Conference was held on 1-2 March in Agadir. The conference aimed to bridge the gap between Medicine and the Arabic language, fostering discussions and collaborations that highlight the importance of linguistic accessibility in healthcare.

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AFRIWON MOVEMENT UPDATE AFRIWON PRE-CONFERENCE ON EMERGENCY MEDICINE AT THE 8TH WONCA AFRICA REGIONAL CONFERENCE

Afriwon Renaissance, under the aegis of WONCA Africa and in concert with the Special Interest Group for Emergency Medicine, is excited to invite young and future general practitioners/family physicians to a transformative one-day pre-conference focused on Emergency Medicine. (Young doctors refer to those within 5 years after postgraduate training in general practice of Family Medicine).

This event is designed to empower young family doctors and trainees with essential skills and knowledge in emergency medical care, enhancing their ability to provide swift and efficient response in urgent care situations. Scheduled for June 5th, 2024, from 9 am to 3 pm, the pre-conference will precede the 8th WONCA Africa Region Conference in Nairobi. It will feature intensive workshops on Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS), ECG interpretation, and Mass Casualty Incident Management, led by experts in the field.

Join us for this dynamic session to sharpen your emergency medicine skills, network with peers, and gain invaluable insights from seasoned practitioners. Together, we aim to improve urgent care delivery and patient outcomes across the Africa Region. The preconference will feature three intensive workshops designed to cover essential aspects of emergency medicine that are pivotal for young family doctors:

1 (POCUS) ECHO MODULES

POINT OF CARE ULTRASOUND

This workshop will provide hands-on training in the use of point-of-care ultrasound, focusing on echocardiography modules to aid in the rapid assessment and diagnosis of patients.

2 RHYTHMS FOR THE FAMILY ECG: MOST THREATENING DOCTOR Participants will learn to identify and manage the most life-threatening cardiac rhythms, with practical sessions on ECG interpretation and emergency interventions.

Please follow this link to register your interest in the preconference as slots are limited: 33

3 MANAGEMENT

MASS CASUALTY INCIDENT

This session aims to prepare doctors for mass casualty incidents, focusing on triage, emergency response coordination, and effective management strategies to optimise patient outcomes in disaster scenarios.

REGISTER HERE

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AFRIWON FAMILY MEDICINE AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE OBSERVERSHIP/FIELD VISITS Kenya has undertaken various policy and system re-orientation and implementation to scale up Family Medicine and Primary Health Care. This observership is an opportunity to learn about the Primary Health Care Networks, Family Medicine Training and Practice in both the private and public sectors in Kenya.

Please follow this link to register your interest and details for planning purposes, slots are limited:

REGISTER HERE EDUCATION AND TRAINING THEME GROUP Dedicated to advancing education in Family Medicine, AfriWon ETG organizes monthly virtual meetings to foster knowledge transfer and share experiences in Family Medicine Across the Region. These sessions cover topics such as Clinical Audit, Scientific Writing, Teaching Methods, and Assessment Techniques in Medical Education. Additionally, monthly CPD sessions are conducted, featuring MCQs in Family Medicine, contributing significantly to the professional development of members.

In 2024, led by Dr Olubukola Salam the meetings continue and all are welcome to join every fourth Thursday of the month at 6pm GMT, as per schedule below:

22nd February 2024 Dr Spyridon Antonios Giannakis/ Dr Edwina Addo Opare-Lokko Historical overview of Family Medicine specialisation 28th March 2024 Dr Mercy/Dr Mosa Human resources for health 25th April 2024 Dr Tijani Oseni/Dr Kabona Anna Monitoring and evaluation for health systems strengthening 30th May 2024 Dr Ramatu Agbede/Dr Francis Addai Effective Communication in Family Medicine

MEETING LINK

27th June 2024 Dr Stephen Engmann/Dr James Ibuaku Mentoring in an academic career 25th July 2024 Dr Olubukola Salam//Dr Samuel Ateya Telemedicine: The Influence on FM Education & Training 29th August 2024 Dr Enwongo Ettang /Dr Amos Mailosi The Guiding Principles in Clinical Case Report 26th September 2024 Dr Joyce Kalu Amooah/Dr Kalade Richard Challenges of clinical practice in a low resource setting and the way forward: Impact on FM Training & Practice 31st October 2024 Dr Charles Itegi/Dr Biligan Sagno-Korha Artificial Intelligence: The Influence and Impact on FM Training & Practice 28th November 2024 Dr Sowande Ayokunmi/Dr Machuor Daniel The role of Family Physicians in achieving universal health coverage in LMIC Reported by Dr Mercy Nafula Wanjala Afriwon Renaissance Chair

17th December 2024 Dr Mercy/Dr Elebiyo Temitope Entrepreneurship in medical practice

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THE RAJAKUMAR MOVEMENT UPDATE APRIL 2023 - APRIL 2024 It was another fruitful and productive year for The Rajakumar Movement (TRM). We had our regular meetings to discuss, plan and organize many activities specially for our young doctors in the Asia Pacific Region.

We participated and supported the WONCA YDM - WP/SIG Collaborative Webinar Webinar #3 on Education: Prospectives Around the Regions, hosted by Al-Razi Movement and Working Party on Education.

Dr Aneesa Abdul Rashid shared on the while Dr Chole Chan assisted as the translator for Chinese Mandarin.

We participated and supported the WONCA YDM – WP/SIG Collaborative Webinar Webinar #4 on Digital Health: Role in Family Medicine, hosted by Polaris and Working Party on eHealth.

We successfully conducted the first Family Medicine Learning Session: The PatientCentered, Family-Focused, and CommunityOriented (PFC) Approach hosted by The Philippine Academy of Family Physicians Resident’s Organization on 29 April 2023. The session was delivered by Dr. Kashmir Mae Engada, Family and Community Medicine Specialist, Lifestyle Medicine Physician.

We participated and supported the WONCA YDM - WP/SIG Collaborative Webinar - Webinar #5 on Health Equity Around the World, hosted by Spice Route Movement and Special Interest Group on Health Equity.

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We celebrated the World Family Doctor Day 2023 with poster displaying photos with heart sign We successfully conducted the second Family Medicine Learning Session. The topic was Transforming Healthcare Delivery through Digital Health and AI in Primary Care. It was hosted by TRM Malaysia in collaboration with The Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia and Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists’ Association. It was an insightful and wonderful sharing by all the distinguished speakers -Dr Muhamad Irfan Yasin, Dr Avni Patel, Dr Thung Senk Chung, Dr Kev Lim and Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah.

Among the interesting technologies being shared were Diabetes Lifestyle Program (DLP), Autism Virtual Early Screening Tool (AVEST), QuitASAP, My NNJ Calculator, MCHAT, qmedCopilot and Dr MATA. TRM Rising Star Award 2023 Nomination was successfully carried out by Dr Yong Kui Choon (Albert) from Malaysia emerged as the winner.

We participated and supported the WONCA YDM - WP/SIG Collaborative Webinar - Webinar #6 on The Role of Young Family Doctors in Addressing Rural Health Challenges, hosted by Afriwon, Rural Seeds and Working Party on Rural Practice.

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THE RAJAKUMAR MOVEMENT IN SYDNEY WONCA YDM Pre-Conference was successfully held during the WONCA World Conference in Sydney on 25th October 2023 after months of preparation and planning by the organizing committee.

Special thanks to Dr Phoebe Holdenson Kimura, Dr Wee Sian Woon and young doctors (Dr Rob Chatterji, Dr Bosco Wu, Dr Jun Parker) from Australia who were the main pillars.

Associate Professor Dr Karen Flegg, WONCA President-Elect welcomed young doctors from around the world followed by acknowledgement of county by Prof Dr Bad Murphy and special performance on Didgeridoo by William Barton.

Dr Anna Stavdal, WONCA President gave her opening message and stressed on the importance of building young doctors who will be the future leaders in WONCA.

YDM lead and all the seven YDM Chairs shared the updates on their regional activities. In the plenary session, Prof Dr Michael Kidd shared good tips on how to be successful in career.

This was followed by the following programmes - YDM global projects and affiliates, small group discussions on family medicine around the world: the strengths, challenges and sharing best practices, parallel interactive workshops and YDM Marketplace: networking with WONCA Working Parties and Special Interest Groups.

To cap off the Pre-Conference, a networking cocktail and canapé event was held.

Other than the Pre-Conference, various other networking activities were organized. The young doctors enjoyed every moment of it.

Apart from that, TRM also presented and participated in many workshops during the WONCA World Conference. TRM assisted in manning the YDM booth too.

TRM would like to congratulate Dr Chan Yuen Ching (Cheryl) on the appointment as the YDM Lead, Dr Yong Kui Choon (Albert) on winning the Rising Star Award and Dr Mel Anthony Acuavera on receiving the Montegut Scholar Award.

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With the conclusion of WONCA World Conference, it marks the beginning of new TRM Executive Committee line up lead by Dr Chang Ping Hsun for the term 2023-2025.

TRM would like to thanked all the outgoing Executive Committee for their contribution and extend best wishes to the new Executive Committee.

We successfully conducted the third Family Medicine Learning Session. It was hosted by TRM Malaysia in collaboration with The Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia and Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists’ Association. In observance of International Men's Health Month, a series of webinars on Men's Health in Primary Care was organized, spanning over three weeks with weekly webinar series. The response and active participation from the attendees were exceptionally positive, further underscoring the success of these initiatives.

Currently we're preparing for the exciting event of WONCA 2024 APR conference in Singapore. We welcome all young doctors from the world to join us, to see the passionate and vigorous progress in family medicine and primary care field of the Asia-Pacific region!

Reported by Chang Ping Hsun, Chair of The Rajakumar Movement (pictured) and Wong Ping Foo, Immediate Past Chair of The Rajakumar Movement

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VOL. 1 ISSUE 2 • MAR 2024

WONCA POLARIS POST Official Newsletter of WONCA Polaris

Your Polaris Executive Committee As the vibrant energy of spring breathes new life into the world, WONCA Polaris is thrilled to unveil its incoming Executive Board Members. We bring a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to our roles within the region’s Young Doctors’ Movement. But beyond our contributions, we warmly invite you to join us in shaping the vibrant tapestry of interregional Family Medicine culture.

This issue:

United under the banner of Polaris, young family doctors from Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean stand poised on the brink of boundless potential. Together, we possess a wealth of collective strengths, skills, and passions waiting to be harnessed as catalysts for progress within the Family Medicine community.

PAGE 02

So, seize the opportunity to become an active participant in our journey. Whether you’re a medical student, Family Medicine resident, or young Family Physician, your voice matters. Let’s collaborate, innovate, and propel WONCA Polaris to new heights of fulfillment and impact. Together, we can illuminate the path forward for Family Medicine, guiding it towards a brighter, more inclusive future. Join us, and let’s make a difference, one step at a time.

POLARIS POST - SPRING 2024

Introduction PAGE 01 Meet Your Executive Committee

Polaris Project Updates PAGE 03 Polaris Stars PAGE 04 Leadership & Wellness Columns PAGE 07 Announcements, Events, and Updates PAGE 09

PAGE 01

Introducing the Polaris Executive Committee BRUNÈE DORSETT, MD, a committed Family Physician in Nassau, The Bahamas, earned degrees from Acadia University and The University of the West Indies. She champions preventive health and wellness advocacy in her community. Actively involved in physician well-being and leadership, Brunèe serves as Chair of WONCA Polaris and Young Doctor’ Movement representative for WONCA Working Parties on Education and Women in Family Medicine. In her leisure, she enjoys playing the piano, snorkeling, and creative brainstorming.

SANITA BELGRAVE-KING, MD, is a highly respected Family Medicine and Geriatric Specialist based in New Providence, The Bahamas. Beginning her medical journey at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados, she quickly distinguished herself, earning the title of Outstanding Intern of the Year in 2013. With six degrees, four Distinctions, and one Honors, including a Doctorate in Family Medicine, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. Dr. Belgrave-King has remained dedicated to serving others, aiming to establish a legacy where care transcends generations. She serves as the WONCA Polaris Vice Chair.

ROHINI PASRICHA, MD, former Chair and current secretary of WONCA Polaris, is a final-year Family Medicine Resident in Toronto, Canada. She plans to pursue a Fellowship in hospitalist medicine and has interests in Palliative Care, Preventative Medicine, and academics. Beyond her clinical work, Rohini is actively involved in leadership roles within her local and national medical committees. Outside of medicine, she enjoys sports and travel and has set a personal goal to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

MARIA A. BIANCHI, MD, is a committed Family Medicine Resident Physician at The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, her passion lies in effecting positive change within underserved communities and fostering inclusivity on a global scale. Maria holds the esteemed position of AAFP Resident Member to the Center for Global Health Initiatives while also serving as the Resident Representative for the Global Health Member Interest Group. She serves as the Polaris representative for the WONCA Young Doctors’ Movement ASPIRE committee.

POLARIS POST - SPRING 2024

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Our Polaris Projects Updates We have been determined and busy these past few months working on new projects to serve you. Check out these updates!

PolaRISE Mentorship Program - We launched on 24th February with a dynamic group interactive session.

With a focus on physician leadership development, participants are building and transforming their connections through use of a unique online mentoring platform. empowerED - WONCA Polaris’ first podcast hit the scene on 6th February 2024. Already there has been two monthly updates bringing you empowering insights to support you on your Family Medicine journey. Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to stay updated with new episodes.

WONCA Polaris 2024: “Shining Brighter”

PolarUS - PolaRUS is a monthly hybrid general membership meeting and coffee break. During our first session on 29th February 2024, attendees formed connections and contributed to the discussion on promoting the vast skillset of Family Physicians.

POLARIS POST - SPRING 2024

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WONCA Polaris Star - Canada ADAM CHUBBS-PAYNE Adam Chubbs-Payne is a second-year resident at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada. His journey is defined by a passion for fostering collaborative relationships with his patients, empowering them through accessible health information. Adam’s inspiration to pursue Family Medicine stems from the profound impact of establishing high-quality, trusting, and longitudinal relationships with patients. The comprehensive nature of Family Medicine allows him to care for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, addressing a broad spectrum of health needs. The continuity of care fosters a sense of trust and familiarity, aligning with his belief in the importance of a patient-centered approach.

How do you motivate yourself at work?

If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?

“Beyond Borders: Adam's Journey Through Medicine, Travel, and Well-Being” ADAM CHUBBS-PAYNE POLARIS POST - SPRING 2024

“Medicine is difficult and sometimes I must sit back and view things with some perspective. I motivate myself by telling myself that even though medicine is difficult and there can be system issues that are out of my control, I am extremely privileged to be able to heal sick and injured patients. I could not see myself doing anything else.”

Adam takes pride in his creation and development of ‘This is Family Medicine,’ an online platform dedicated to showcasing the rich diversity within the field. Through this initiative, he successfully amplifies the voices and stories of healthcare professionals in Family Medicine from various backgrounds, contributing to a more inclusive understanding of the specialty. Beyond Family Medicine, Adam's interests include traveling, photography, cooking, and playing sports. His travels, spanning 24 countries and counting, have been a continuous source of inspiration and personal growth, offering unique experiences and perspectives.

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WONCA Polaris Star -USA MARIA BIANCHI Maria A. Bianchi, a PGY-1 Family Medicine Resident at the University of Iowa, is on a dynamic journey of constant growth and self-discovery. Embracing residency challenges, Maria thrives on saying yes to opportunities that reveal more about herself, develop skills, and shape her future career. In the supportive environment of her Family Medicine Residency, Maria enjoys the shared experiences and accountability with her fellow residents.

Passionate about preventive healthcare and health equity, Maria’s introduction to Family Medicine coincided with her mother’s battle with advanced breast cancer. For her, family doctors are akin to orchestra conductors, fostering lasting patient relationships and coordinating holistic care across life stages.

Which accomplishments are you most proud of?

“Since starting residency, I’ve been actively engaged in global health, serving as the AAFP Resident Member of the Center for Global Health Initiatives and Resident Representative for the AAFP Global Health Member Interest Group. Additionally, I’ve contributed to sports medicine as a researcher and High School team physician.

I also manage my residency program’s social media to enhance diversity in recruiting advocacy through meetings with State legislators and contributing to the operational aspects of graduate medical education as the Family Medicine Resident representative in my hospital’s House Staff Council.”

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, she brings a rich medical background and a passion for supporting international medical graduates. Beyond medicine, Maria enjoys acrylic painting, non-medical reading, board games, and exploring different cultures through her travels to 25 countries. She is committed to using social media as a platform for physician networking and supporting fellow international medical graduates on their unique journeys.

POLARIS POST - SPRING 2024

If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?

"An Immigrant Doctor’s Resilience Story" MARIA BIANCHI

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WONCA Polaris Star -The Caribbean ELINDERA FERGUSON-KNOWLES Elindera Ferguson-Knowles is a final-year Family Medicine Resident at The University of the West Indies in Nassau, The Bahamas. Her dedication to health education and preventive care is evident in her work, where she witnesses the positive impact these interventions have on patients and their families. Through her clinical experiences, she engages in meaningful dialogues with colleagues, leveraging their insights to enhance patient care.

How do you stay motivated at work?

“I am motivated by my own experiences with healthcare. I have had opportunities to navigate through the healthcare system due to various ailments and surgeries. Because of these experiences, I can empathize with patients about the frustrations and confusion associated with the healthcare system. With each patient, I think about their life experiences and empathize with their challenges. This motivates me to take the extra moments with them, to go above and beyond for them, to help save a life, and to promote healthy living.“

If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?

"The Inner Being: Stronger Than You Know, More Beautiful Than You See, and Smarter Than You Think" ELINDERA FERGUSONKNOWLES POLARIS POST - SPRING 2024

Motivated by personal experiences and reflections on the pivotal role of primary care, Elindera embarked on a journey to contribute to community health and wellness. Notable among her achievements is her leadership in a research project on antimicrobial resistance, recognized at the Medical Association of The Bahamas Medical Conference. Additionally, she recently attained her Diploma in Family Medicine, marking a significant milestone in her professional development. Beyond her medical pursuits, Elindera embraces life with zest, enjoying travel, adventure, and dance. Committee to philanthropy, she volunteers with HOPE Worldwide, actively participating in initiatives supporting underpriveleged children and families. Her involvement in community health fairs and blood drives underscores her dedication to holistic wellbeing.

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Polaris Leadership Buzz - Job Crafting Are you a young Family Doctor dissatisfied with your work despite knowing Family Medicine is your calling? Try job crafting, a personal leadership skill that could be your game-changer.

It's about controlling and reshaping your roles and responsibilities to align with your values, strengths, and preferences. Picture it as a tailormade suit for your career, enhancing your job satisfaction, engagement, performance, and overall well-being. So how does it work? Let's break it down.

Task crafting is your first tool in the kit. Think of it as customizing your daily to-do list. As a Family Physician, this might mean zeroing in on tasks that light your fire, delegating the ones that don't, or jumping at fresh opportunities that push your professional boundaries.

Then there's relational crafting – your chance to fine-tune the dynamics of your workplace connections. Strengthening ties with colleagues, patients, and stakeholders can create a supportive ecosystem. And don't forget about setting boundaries and seeking support when needed. It's all about cultivating a positive environment where you can thrive.

Last, we have cognitive crafting – the art of reframing your perspective on work.

Take a moment to reflect on your impact on patients' lives. Find joy in the small victories and opportunities for growth. Shifting your mindset can uncover new layers of purpose and fulfillment in your role.

So, the next time you're feeling the work blues, remember the power of job crafting.

Take charge of your professional journey, find joy every day, and watch as you create a ripple effect of positivity in your workplace and beyond.

POLARIS POST - SPRING 2024

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Polaris Wellness - The Power of Gratitude As Family Medicine trainees and physicians, our days (and nights) are filled with work, non-work obligations, and tasks. It may seem as if completing one task goes unnoticed as it is quickly replaced with three new ones. In this demanding specialty, prioritizing our mental health is crucial. Daily gratitude is a powerful practice that can positively impact your well-being and perspective.

Take a moment each day to reflect on three things you’re grateful for, fostering a positive mindset and inviting more joy into your life. Set a daily alarm, keep a gratitude journal, and be amazed by your journey of gratitude. Start this practice right now and be transformed. What are three things you are grateful for in this moment?

POLARIS POST - SPRING 2024

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Help us to unleash the power of our Polaris community!

Let us know how you would like to get involved: newsletter, social media, website, blog, project support, event organization, artist & more

Our 2023-2025 Polaris Objectives This term, our focus is on you! In all our Polaris activities, we strive to achieve at least one of the following objectives: increasing community engagement, raising awareness of the diverse practices of Family Medicine in our region, supporting physician well-being, showcasing the talents and contributions of our Polaris members, assisting in career development, and promoting the Family Medicine specialty. But we can’t do it alone.

Help us make Polaris a transformative experience for you on your Family medicine journey. If you or your residency are involved in noteworthy initiatives, please email us and let us know (woncapolaris@gmail.com).

Polaris Physician Stars Do you know a medical student with strong interest in Family Medicine, Family Medicine Resident or early career Family Physician in our region who is making a splash in the Family Medicine community? Send us an email with their name, country, and contact so that we can feature them in our Polaris Post Summer Issue. We value your efforts and are dedicated to letting our community know that you are a Polaris Star!

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Announcements, Upcoming Events, Updates 28th March 2024 PolarUS General Membership Coffee Break April 2024

empowerED Podcast monthly update

25th April 2024

PolarUS General Membership Coffee Break

19th May 2024

Polaris 10th Birthday & World Family Doctor Day

23rd May 2024

PolarUS General Membership Coffee Break

PolarUS Meetings Zoom Details for above dates: Meeting ID: 841 7515 4042 Passcode: 637812

Click & Join Our Community woncapolaris Whatsapp Facebook Polaris website empowerED Podcast

*All medstudents with FM interest, FM residents, and early career Family Physicians in Canada, USA, and the Caribbean are invited to the PolarUS meetings* Join our mailing list - email us woncapolaris@gmail.com

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