VOL 50 | NUMBER 1
NEWS
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J A N U A R Y F E B R U A R Y
NEWS WONCA PRESIDENT ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR KAREN FLEGG (AUSTRALIA) EMAIL: PRESIDENT@WONCA.NET
CONTENTS
PRESIDENT-ELECT DR VIVIANA MARTINEZ BIANCHI (US/ARGENTINA) WONCA IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT & WHO LIAISON DR ANNA STAVDAL (NORWAY)
FROM THE PRESIDENT
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EXECUTIVE MEMBER AT LARGE & HONORARY TREASURER DR STEVE MOWLE (UK)
GLOBAL FAMILY VIOLENCE INITIATIVE
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WORLD REHABILITATION ALLIANCE
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RECOMMENDATIONS FROM A CONVERSATION WITH YOUNG FAMILY DOCTORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
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WONCA CONFERENCES
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WONCA WEBINARS
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ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES
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EXECUTIVE MEMBER AT LARGE ADJ PROFESSOR KAREN PRICE (AUSTRALIA) EXECUTIVE MEMBER AT LARGE DR MARÍA PILAR ASTIER PEÑA (SPAIN) REGIONAL PRESIDENT, WONCA AFRICA DR JANE FRANCES NAMATOVU (UGANDA) REGIONAL PRESIDENT, WONCA ASIA PACIFIC DR. BRIAN CHANG (TAIWAN) REGIONAL PRESIDENT, WONCA EAST MEDITERRANEAN DR ABDULAZIZ MAHMOOD NASSER AL-MAHREZI (OMAN) 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: YOUNG DOCTORS’ MOVEMENT AT WONCA SYDNEY CONFERENCE 2023 PHOTO: CHERYL CHAN
WONCA NEWS
FROM THE PRESIDENT J A N U A R Y F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4
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WONCA PRESIDENT
Thinking of our future family doctors At this time of year in Australia, it is the beginning of the academic year. So, this week at the Australian National University (ANU) Rural Clinical School, we have been welcoming 28 students who are now moving out of the city to spend their second last year in medical school, in a rural town. The six towns that we send the students to live in, have regional populations between 7,500 and 35,000. The supervising family doctors will often not only work in their clinics, but also do anaesthetics or obstetrics and be able to look after patients in their local hospital. What a great way to spend your first clinical year medical school! It is of course our hope that these students will end up in future as family doctors and rural doctors. How does this link to WONCA?
ABOUT THE WONCA YOUNG DOCTORS’ MOVEMENT WONCA’s Young Doctors’ Movement (YDM) is about hope for the future. It’s about the engagement of young family doctors in WONCA. It’s about building our future. The first regional Young Doctors’ group began, in Europe, in 2005.
PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (ANU) RURAL COHORT FOR 2024
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Our CEO, Harris Lygidakis, is a former president (2012 - 14) of the Vasco da Gama Movement as the European group was then called. The YDM started in other WONCA regions from there. This year, 2024, marks 10 years of all regions having a regional Young Doctors’ group. WONCA Executive has a YDM representative. For 2023-25, it is Dr ‘Cheryl’ CHAN Yuen Ching, from Hong Kong. Many of you will also know the previous representative Dr Sankha Randenikumara, from Sri Lanka. gratitude to those who have agreed to serve WONCA in this manner.
YDM ACHIEVEMENTS IN PAST TWO YEARS Looking back over the 2021 – 23 period, Sankha believes the biggest achievements of the YDM were streamlining and strengthening the processes related to their operations and initiating stronger collaboration with WONCA groups (working parties and special interest groups). The stronger operational processes include having a biennial activity plan, new operational guidelines, guidelines for the Rising Star Award and establishing a YDM global fund. With various WONCA Working Parties and Special Interest Groups there have been collaborative webinars, and for some groups a young doctor liaison person now exists. Clearly some fantastic work was achieved.
WONCA NEWS
WHERE TO NEXT FOR OUR YOUNG DOCTORS? It is great that our new YDM representative on WONCA Executive, Cheryl Chan, reports that the YDM committee, which has representatives from all WONCA regions, are drafting their action plan for the next year. The group’s plans include: internal collaboration with WONCA groups to hold regular webinars and strengthen involvement of young doctors in these groups a celebration for World Family Doctor Day, on May 19th external collaboration with the international medical students association (IFMSA), and World Medical Association Junior Doctors’ Network the launch of the new YDM mentorship program cyber security training and of course the Rising Star Award will continue …
CONGRATULATIONS I’d like to express my gratitude to Sankha for his hard work and congratulations on his significant achievements in governance and growth during the 2021- 23 period. Congratulations to Cheryl on her new role, following in Sankha’s rather large shoes! I’d like to express my gratitude to Sankha for his hard work and congratulations on his
PHOTO: YONG KUI CHOON – WINNER RISING STAR AWARD
significant achievements in governance and growth during the 2021- 23 period .Congratulations to Cheryl on her new role, following in Sankha’s rather large shoes! Special congratulations to Dr Yong Kui Choon, of Malaysia, who won the Rising Star award in 2023. Dr Yong works as a Family Medicine Specialist at Chemor Health Clinic, a government clinic in Malaysia. He is both highly respected among his staff and much loved by patients. As a young doctor, he has shown great leadership and made contributions both nationally and internationally. If you are a Young Doctor (in family medicine training or in the first five years of family medicine practice) or a medical student and you would like to know more contact : youngdoctor@wonca.net
Happy Lunar New Year to everyone
龙年吉祥， 健康如意， 心想事成！
Wishing you all good luck, good health, prosperity and may your wishes come true.
A / P R O F K A R E N F L E G G PHOTO: YDM LEADERS, DRS SANKHA RANDENDIKUMARA AND CHERYL CHAN
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HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR
龙年吉祥， 健康如意， 心想事成！ WISHING YOU ALL GOOD LUCK, GOOD HEALTH, PROSPERITY AND MAY YOUR WISHES COME TRUE.
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GLOBAL FAMILY VIOLENCE INITIATIVE IMPROVE GPS RESPONSE TO INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV) The Global Family Violence Initiative is one of the two projects selected for the WONCA Collaborative Fund in October 2023. The purpose of this project is to address the issue of violence against women, specifically intimate partner violence (IPV), which has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project aims to provide general practitioners (GPs) with effective training to improve their responses to IPV, including prevention, early detection, and care for victims, survivors, and their families. Violence against women, including IPV, is a significant global public health problem with severe consequences for individuals and society. Despite its prevalence, a high percentage of cases remain hidden, as victims often do not disclose the violence they experience. Healthcare professionals, especially those in primary care settings like GPs, can play a crucial role in identifying and addressing IPV, but they often lack the necessary training, skills, and resources to do so appropriately. There is an urgent need for training that enhances prevention, early detection, and care for victims, survivors, and their families. This project aims to address this gap by providing GPs with an e-learning program to improve their responses to intimate partner violence (IPV). We believe that WONCA is well placed to provide such training, drawing on our collective expertise and experience working in family medicine around the wordl, and we see this project and a very cost-efficient and effective way of combatting family violence globally. This is educational program is aligned with WHO recommendations, focusing on enhancing communication skills, the recognition of IPV, and effective support strategies. Now we just need the funds to do it!
INSTAGRAM VIDEOS FEATURING DR RAQUEL GOMEZ BRAVO, CO-CHAIR & NENA KOPČAVAR GUČEK, FORMER CO-CHAIR, WONCA SIG ON FAMILY VIOLENCE
CROWDFUNDING At the end of 2023, the crowdfunding campaign for the Global Family Violence Initiative did not reach its goal. The campaign has been extended for a further 4 month and we are asking all our members and supporters to spread the word and share the link to donations within your networks.
LIKE & SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
A series of graphics and videos have been produced to share on social media and the Donorbox page has also been updated.
A collaborative effort by: WONCA Special Interest Group on Family Violence WONCA Working Party on Women and Family Medicine Young Doctors' Movements
READ MORE, DONATE & SHARE: 6
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THE INTEGRATION OF PRIMARY CARE AND REHABILITATION
INTRODUCING THE WORLD REHABILITATION ALLIANCE
We all have patients desperately in need of rehabilitation services. You know them as… the patient who injured his shoulder at work eight weeks ago and is not improving, the one who has had a hip replacement and would like to be independent again, the patient with cerebral palsy needing ongoing interdisciplinary rehabilitation services, the person with dementia who struggles with getting dressed and planning meals, the child whose language is not developing as expected and the parents think might have hearing loss, the adult with dual hearing and vision loss who has become socially isolated, the person injured in an earthquake who needs to get back to work to support their family financially, ….and the list continues.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Rehabilitation 2030 initiative outlines the profound unmet need for rehabilitation worldwide, and highlights the importance of strengthening health systems to provide rehabilitation. The World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA) is a World Health Organization (WHO) hosted global network of stakeholders whose mission is to support the implementation of the Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative through advocacy and networking activities. Photo: WHO
As a primary care physician, you can only do so much with the time constraints on your schedule, the large amounts of paperwork, limited training in rehabilitation, and the growing complexity burden of your patients. Let’s solve this! We envision a future where these patients receive the care they need (to reduce disability and optimize functioning) without increasing physician burnout. We can do this in keeping with the principles of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) were people have access to the full range of quality health services they need (rehabilitation is along the continuum of essential health services), when and where they need them, without financial hardship. Our vision as the Primary Care workstream of the World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA) is for Primary Care and Rehabilitation to be integrated in all areas across the globe. The WRA and WONCA will work together as advocacy partners to further this vision. Below, we have provided more information on why this is important and ways we can work together to improve primary care.
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WHY FOCUS ON REHABILITATION? Globally, 1 in 3 people are living with a health condition that benefits from rehabilitation.1 These needs are spread across the lifespan, from children with congenital and intellectual impairment, to young adults with physical limitation(s) resulting from unintentional and war-related injuries, to older people experiencing chronic/progressive disease or difficulties associated with aging. The WHO defines rehabilitation as “a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment”. Rehabilitation services typically include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech- language therapy, physical rehabilitation medicine, chiropractic, psychology, audiology, vision rehabilitation, amongst others. WHY NOW? Rehabilitation needs will grow as populations continue to age, and the number of people living with chronic disease continues to rise throughout the world. Many countries are not equipped to respond to existing rehabilitation needs, let alone the forecasted increase that is arising from health and demographic trends. Rehabilitation is often not prioritized in countries and continues to be underresourced. As a result, countless individuals do not have access to rehabilitation services, leading to an exacerbation of their condition, further complications, and lifelong consequences. In many low- and middleincome countries, more than 50% of people do not receive the rehabilitation services they require.2
WHY SHOULD REHABILITATION BE INTEGRATED INTO PRIMARY CARE? By integrating rehabilitation in primary care, clinicians can increase coverage and make services more accessible and affordable. Broadening access to rehabilitation services enables individuals requiring these services to maintain their independence and participation in the workforce while reducing required financial supports.3 Furthermore, integration of rehabilitation services within primary care can help to avoid costly hospitalizations and re-admissions.3
WONCA NEWS
WHAT DOES THE WRA PRIMARY CARE WORKSTREAM DO? The WRA is divided into 5 different workstreams: Primary Care, Workforce, Emergencies, Research, and External Relations. The Primary Care workstream is composed of stakeholders from numerous backgrounds, sectors, and areas of expertise. We have representation from member states / state bodies, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, private sector, philanthropic foundations, and academic institutions. We are also composed of individuals coming from a wide range of healthcare / allied health backgrounds. Bringing together multiple different perspectives and using a collaborative approach.
OUR OBJECTIVES 1. To create a common awareness of the necessity to integrate rehabilitation and primary care 2. To engage international organizations of primary care and rehabilitation professionals in the development of strategies to advance the integration of rehabilitation and primary care. 3. To develop mutual collaboration among health providers in integrating rehabilitation and primary care along the continuum of care (promotion – prevention – treatment – rehabilitation – palliation).
Learn how to easily, safely, and effectively deliver a limited set of prioritized evidence-based interventions for rehabilitation in primary care using WHO tools. Participate in WONCA/WRA joint advocacy activities starting this year. With both organizations having a broad global reach and depth of expertise we can make change in primary care across the world. Nishani Umasuthan, Family physician, University of Toronto Department of Family and Community Medicine Katherine Stead, Family physician, University of Toronto, WRA Co-lead Martin Brodsky, Speech-language pathologist, American Speech-LanguageHearing Association Katherine Rouleau, Family physician, University of Toronto, WRA Co-lead Jo Lewis, Occupational therapist, The University of Sydney Abena Tannor, Family physician, Rehabilitation physician, Consultant Rehabilitation Programme, WHO Headquarters Pauline Kleinitz, Physiotherapist, Technical Advisor Rehabilitation Programme, WHO Headquarters
HOW CAN YOU MAKE CHANGE? Engage with your rehabilitation colleagues: strike up conversation and ask them what they do! Work to build links with rehabilitation providers/associations in your area/region. Advocate to policy makers about funding allocation for rehabilitation services in primary care. Coordinate interprofessional education/training (ie. medical students/residents and students from rehabilitation disciplines having combined classes, shared clinical rotations, etc). Purposefully build models of care which include interprofessional teams.
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1 Cieza, Alarcos & Causey, Kate & Kamenov, Kaloyan & Hanson, Sarah & Chatterji, Somnath & Vos, Theo. (2020). Global estimates of the need for rehabilitation based on the Global Burden of Disease study 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet. 396. 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32340-0. 2 https://www.who.int/initiatives/rehabilitation2030 3 https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHOHIS-SDS-2018.4
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WONCA WORKING PARTY ON WOMEN AND FAMILY MEDICINE
MOVING ON:
Recommendations from a conversation with young family doctors from around the world
As a growing specialty, the contribution of family medicine to global health systems is part of “the critical role of primary health care around the world …. to ensure that everyone everywhere is able to enjoy the highest possible attainable standard of health”.1 The World Organization of Family Doctors2 is a worldwide network of professional bodies representing family doctors; its ways of working include hosting conferences, convening special interest groups, and having formal regional and national networks and representation. One key component is its ‘Young Doctors Movements’ (YDMs), with input from seven different world regions. This energetic group provides an important voice of support and development to those setting out into the challenging and exciting world of family medicine! We hope that readers will engage with the debate in their own settings and help us find solutions to some of the issues raised.
At the most recent WONCA global conference in Sydney in October 2023, the WONCA Women’s Working Party on Women and Family Medicine (WWPWFM) met with more than forty representatives of the YDMs from all world regions, to discuss common themes and possible ways to work together. This report summarises the key themes from group discussions; links them to the broader literature; and makes some recommendations for ways forward. We hope that readers will engage with the debate in their own settings and help us find solutions to some of the issues raised. These responses will help to encourage our younger colleagues and ensure their careerlong productivity for our speciality.
KEY THEMES Broadly, these divided into challenges of the profession, and personal challenges. Within the first, participants raised issues about the status of the speciality of family medicine, expressing concerns about the skills of family doctors not being valued, and other specialities ‘looking down on’ family medicine. They also voiced worry about the speciality not having the same level of academic opportunity – for example, to do research — and a lack of visible role models and mentors. Another professional theme was the demanding nature of the speciality – the complexity of some patients; the need to interface with others in the community to deliver excellent care; and the frequent tensions between the system and its bureaucracy and costs, set against the priorities of patient-centred delivery. Broadly, these divided into challenges of the profession, and personal challenges. The second ‘personal’ theme involved discussions about balancing work and life; how to make effective career choices; and concerns about lack of flexible work options to allow other roles – such as caring for children, but also for other professional roles
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Photo: The Working Party for Women and Family Medicine hosted a workshop with the Young Doctors’ Movement at the WONCA World Conference in Sydney entitled “Professional career development and opportunities: Thinking ahead in the early years” with over 60 participants.
such as becoming a family medicine educator. This component raised the very relevant theme of gender, since more than 50% of family doctors in most countries are now female.3,4 Specifically, women more often than men need to combine being family carers with their work life;5 they recognize the potential disadvantage to their careers posed by this extended role commitment. The participants also noted that female family doctors, perhaps due to perceived cultural differences, are more often sought out by the emotionally needy; and may therefore face an additional level of complexity and psychological demand within their working days.
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Many of these factors have been noted elsewhere in the literature and mirror the findings of a study previously carried out by members of the WWPWFM, wherein: “Participants described a complex interface between competing demands, expectations of their gender, and internalised expectations of themselves. Systemic barriers, such as lack of flexible working, excessive workload, and the cumulative impacts of unrealistic expectations impaired the ability to fully contribute in the workplace.”6 It may be seen as sad, though unsurprising, that these issues have not resolved over the subsequent period since 1990. but some recommendations from the Sydney discussion group suggest key ways forward. WHAT MAY HELP? The 2020 study also identified the importance of people having choice over their work; and access to supportive relationships and guidance, both to absorb negative experiences and to build professional confidence over time. The study found that “External support, such as strong personal networks, and an adaptive work setting and organisation or system, maximised interviewees’ professional contributions.”6 The Sydney discussion strongly supported the need to access supportive networks, and individual mentors, and also encouraged women to enter roles where they could act as role models. Safe spaces for reflection, such as this meeting, were also seen as important. The other recommendations encouraged people to actively seek out different roles and options, in order both to understand the full range of opportunities over a working career, and also to find their own preferences and ‘niche’.
WONCA NEWS
The Sydney participants therefore offered some recommendations for the medical care systems and the career support structures for family doctors, particularly in the early stages: (1) clearer options for alternatives to fulltime employment, available to all, both to fulfil other professional and also carer roles; and (2) structured career support and further development opportunities within practice settings, and through other networks and individual mentorship. These modifications again are mirrored in the literature,7 but cannot be achieved unilaterally. WONCA itself has repeatedly highlighted the need for “dedicated leadership, institutional commitment, strategic policy development, and appropriate resources” at the systems level, to support family medicine to maximise its potential.8 We also need to be skilful in addressing these dilemmas, which can be described as ‘wicked’ problems that cannot be solved easily9– leveraging for change by exploring dilemmas with others, building relationships, and finding common values. For WONCA itself, based on the views from the discussions in Sydney, we would strongly recommend that all WONCA organisations: continue to engage with YDM and WWPWFM agendas continue to call on others at national levels to recognise these issues address gender bias in family medicine career opportunities ensure that all family doctors have access to mentors, career support and guidance, and advice on working options and contracts (this is particularly important in the earlier career stages, when people are still trying to find their ‘niche’) – and make sure these discussions are solution-focused, and lead to positive actions.
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Hopefully, by the next WONCA global conference (in 2025 in Portugal), we shall be able to share examples of good practice and see progress!
Authors Amanda Barnard, Lucy Candib, Amanda Howe (corresponding author), Hina Jawaid, Elizabeth Reji, on behalf of the WONCA Working Party for Women and Family Medicine (WWPWFM).
References 1. Astana Declaration 2018. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/ WHO-HIS-SDS-2018.61 (accessed 15/1/24) 2. https://www.globalfamilydoctor.com/Abo utWonca/brief.aspx (accessed 15/1/24) 3. https://geographical.co.uk/culture/countr ies-with-the-most-femaledoctors#:~:text=Most%20of%20the%20glo bal%20healthcare,the%20majority%20of %20medical%20doctors. (accessed 15/1/24) 4. https://www.oecd.org/gender/data/theproportion-of-female-doctors-hasincreased-in-all-oecd-countries-over-thepast-two-decades.htm (accessed 15/1/24) 5. Department Health and Social Care. Mend the gap: independent review into gender pay gaps in medicine in England. DHSC 2020. 6. Shiner A, Watson J, Doohan N, Howe A. Learning or leaving? An international qualitative study of factors affecting the resilience of female family doctors. BJGP Open 2020; 4 (1): bjgpopen20X101017 7. Jefferson L, Holmes M. The GP workforce crisis: what can we do now? British Journal of General Practice 2022; 72 (718): 206- 207. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp22X719225. 8. Kidd M ed. The Contribution of Family Medicine to Improving Health Systems: A guidebook from the World Organization of Family Doctors, 2nd. Edition 2013. Radcliffe Health; England. 9. Mennin, S. Ten Global Challenges in Medical Education: Wicked Issues and Options for Action. Med.Sci.Educ. 31 (Suppl 1), 17–20 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-02101404-w
YOUNG DOCTORS EXCHANGE YOUNG DOCTORS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
POLARIS
NORTHAMERICAN REGION
LATIONAMERICAN REGION
EUROPE REGION
EAST MEDITERRANEAN REGION
AFRICA REGION
SOUTH ASIA REGION
ASIA PACIFIC REGION
SCAN FOR MORE INFO
SAVE THE DATES
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WONCA NEWS
WONCA Conferences 2024 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 SOUTH ASIA REGION 2024
AYUBOWAN! I am delighted to extend a cordial invitation to all of you for the WONCA '24 South Asia Regional Conference, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from May 3rd to 5th, 2024. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Prof Karen Flegg, President of WONCA, and Dr Harris Lygidakis, CEO WONCA, for granting us the honour of hosting this significant gathering in Sri Lanka.
Our organizing committee, with unwavering dedication, has left no stone unturned to ensure your visit is not only memorable but also rewarding. Under the leadership of Prof Shyamalee Samaranayaka, the Scientific Committee has meticulously crafted a program that encompasses experts from member nations and around the globe, catering to a diverse audience. Simultaneously, the Social Committee, led by Dr Pushpa Weerasinghe, has spared no effort to arrange unforgettable social events, infused with the renowned hospitality of Sri Lanka. I am confident that you will not only
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appreciate the warm hospitality of Sri Lanka but also be captivated by its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and the renowned flavours of our culinary arts. Looking forward to your presence at this momentous event, where we aim to blend intellectual stimulation with the vibrant spirit of Sri Lankan culture.
SEE YOU ALL IN COLOMBO! DR K SRI RANJAN PRESIDENT WONCA SOUTH ASIA REGION
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WONCA SOUTH ASIA REGION 2024 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS OF SRI LANKA It is with great pleasure that I wish to welcome Prof Karen Flegg, President of WONCA and Dr Harris Lygidakis, CEO WONCA to our beautiful island and all other participants to the WONCA, South Asian Regional Conference 2024 to be held in Sri Lanka. The College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka (CGPSL) has a long history with WONCA and this will be the third instance where the South Asian Regional Conference is held in Sri Lanka with CGPSL, the most recent being in 2016 and previously in 2005. This year is very special to us all as the CGPSL is celebrating our 50th anniversary. I along with my colleagues of CGPSL wish to thank whole heartedly Dr. K Sri Ranjan, President, WONCA SAR, Secretary General Organizing Committee, WONCA SAR 2024 and his organizing team for the time and effort which will contribute to making this event a success. The mission of WONCA and CGPSL are rooted in the common foundation of striving to improve the quality of life of the people through high standards of care in general practice/family medicine. The CGPSL has been over the years initiated and executed many projects and programs towards fulfilling this mission. Programs such as the CPD program, Newsletter, Distance education platform, patient safety initiatives are noteworthy. The CGPSL play a major advocacy/advisory role in building systems locally and regionally which is laying the foundation for generations of our patients to benefit from quality primary care based on the principles of Family Medicine with a local and regional flavour. I am in no doubt the WONCA, South Asian Regional Conference 2024 will further enhance and add value to the GP community in Sri Lanka for the betterment of the health and quality of life of our fellow citizens.
MORE INFORMATION
WWW.WONCASAR2024.COM
IMPORTANT DATES Abstract submission deadline: 30th January 2024 EXTENDED TO 20th February 2024 Abstract acceptance notification: 1st March 2024 Early Bird Registration Deadline: 15th March 2024 Standard Registration Deadline: 15th April 2024
DR D K D MATHEW PRESIDENT, COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS OF SRI LANKA
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Conference Dates: 3rd - 5th May 2024
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8TH WONCA AFRICA REGION CONFERENCE
DRUMMING FOR CHANGE IN AFRICA: BUILDING RESILIENT PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS, A FOCUS ON INNOVATIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY. Anticipation is building for the 8th WONCA Africa Conference in Nairobi, Kenya from the 5th to 8th June 2024. WONCA’s 2024 conference is proudly hosted by KAFP, The Kenya Association of Family Physicians which is the umbrella body for Family Physicians and General Practitioners in the Republic of Kenya. The association was founded in May 2003 with the mandate of supporting the development of Comprehensive Primary Care networks across Kenya. It currently has approximately 200 members countrywide.
NAIROBI, KENYA
Registration It’s time to mark your calendar and secure your spot at the upcoming WONCA Africa Region Conference 2024. Take advantage of the Early Bird discount until 29 February. Register today and let’s join and build a healthier, brighter future together!
Call For Abstracts We invite abstracts on original research, clinical audits, or interesting case series that are pertinent to the field of Primary Care and/or Family Medicine. Share your insights and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in these crucial areas. IMPORTANT DATES Early Bird Registration Deadline: 29 February 2024
Standard Registration Deadline: 20 April 2024
Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 March 2024
Conference Dates: 5 - 8 June 2024
SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT ON THE CONFERENCE WEBSITE:
WWW.KAFP.OR.KE
"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 WP ON RURAL PRACTICE
UBUNTU 2024 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Ubuntu is often translated as “I am, because you are”. Ubuntu has its roots in humanist African philosophy, where the idea of community is one of the building blocks of society. It’s a call to community, we are who we are because of each other. It’s a spirit of togetherness and humanity towards others. Abstract submission and Early Registration for Ubuntu 2024 are now open. Ubuntu 2024 is a joint conference between The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH) and Rural WONCA (The Working Party on Rural Practice). It’s bringing together the TUFH 2024 Annual Conference for TUFH, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2024, and the 20th WONCA World Rural Health Conference!
Since Ubuntu 2024 will be a physical conference with a virtual component, you will have to choose in your application if you wish to present your abstract in person in Cape Town, South Africa, or virtually. Workshops will only be accepted in a physical format, all other abstract types can be presented virtually. Abstracts that will be presented in person will receive priority in the abstract acceptance process.
SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT OR READ MORE ABOUT UBUNTU 2024:
www.ubuntu2024.com
IMPORTANT DATES Abstract Submission deadline: 31 March 2024 Early Bird Registration deadline: 31 March 2024 Physical Registration deadline: 31 July 2024 Virtual Registration deadline: 18 August 2024 Conference Dates: 10 - 13 September 2024
PODCAST In the second episode of the official Ubuntu 2024 podcast, Dr Jo ScottJones, Clinical Director of Pinnacle, interviews Dr Bruce Chater, Chair of Rural WONCA as they look ahead to this year’s conference.
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WONCA EUROPE CONFERENCE 2024 DUBLIN ABSTRACT SUBMISSION The scientific committee of WONCA Europe Conference 2024 invites you to submit your abstract and join us in Dublin on 25-28 September 2024. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers, scientists, and experts in the field of general practice medicine to showcase their latest findings, innovations, and contributions.
IMPORTANT DATES Abstract Submission Deadline 1 March 2024
Registrations Open 1 March 2024
Conference Dates 25 - 28 September 2024
For more information visit: www.woncaeurope2024.org
Explore the world of general practice medicine through various presentation formats. If your abstract will be accepted, you can present your research in form of: Workshop Symposium Lecture Presentation Case Report Presentation ePoster. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions!
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WONCA ASIA PACIFIC REGION CONFERENCE 2024 SINGAPORE ABSTRACT SUBMISSION Abstract submission for the WONCA Asia Pacific Region Conference 2024 close on 29 February 2024. Time is running out to submit. Don’t miss your opportunity to share you expertise and research with Topic: The topic of the Abstract should be relevant to Primary Care and/or Family Medicine. Abstract Themes: Primary Care Innovations & Research Population Health Art of Family Medicine Healthier SG Initiatives Sustainability Addressing healthcare challenges Narrative Medicine
For more information visit: www.wonca-apr2024.com
IMPORTANT DATES Abstract Submission Deadline 29 February 2024
Abstract Result Notification 15 April 2024
Conference Dates 21 - 24 August 2024
Early Bird Registration Deadline 30 June 2024
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.
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DR WONG TIEN HUA PRESIDENT COLLEGE OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS SINGAPORE
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At WONCA, we’re not just a community of over half a million family doctors worldwide; we’re a movement. We’re committed to the belief that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, and we see primary care and family medicine as the pathway to making that belief a reality. As we mark our 50th Anniversary, we invite you to be part of our ongoing mission to enhance the quality of life worldwide. We’re thrilled to present an unparalleled opportunity for our most devoted supporters. A magnanimous donation of 500 USD or more not only sets you apart as one of our most committed advocates but also earns you one of just 50 limited-edition collectable pins. These exclusive pins serve as more than mere keepsakes; they stand as enduring symbols of your dedication to fostering a healthier, more equitable world.
LIMITED TO JUST 50 PINS, ACT SWIFTLY TO SECURE YOUR EXCLUSIVE PIN – IT'S A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED OPPORTUNITY!
WHY DOES YOUR SUPPORT MATTER? Your donation isn’t just a contribution to WONCA; it’s an investment in global healthcare. 1. We promote knowledge exchange among family doctors and primary healthcare professionals worldwide through our community groups, newsletters, and educational and dissemination activities. 2. We support countries to build capacities and improve the quality of primary healthcare services through accreditation programs, partnerships with academic institutions, and expertise matching. 3. We advocate for stronger family medicine, primary healthcare and global health equity through partnerships and policy influence at the World Health Organization (WHO). WONCA is their voice!
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WONCA WEBINARS HARMONY IN HEALTHCARE: NAVIGATING THE NEED FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
WONCA SIG ON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE The first WONCA webinar of 2024 took place on Saturday 27 January, hosted by the Special Interest Group (SIG) on Integrative Medicine on the topic of holistic healing. In this enlightening session, participants had the opportunity to explore various modalities of health, including acupuncture, Ayurveda,
Siddha, Chinese medicine, and more. The focus was on understanding how these practices could seamlessly integrate into the daily routines of healthcare professionals. We were delighted to welcome Dr. Uma Senthilkumar (UAE) who shared her insights
in a compelling presentation. The panel discussion featured: Dr. Sankha Randenikurmara (Sri Lanka) Dr. Dimitrios Alepidis (Cyprus) Dr. Patrick Reichel (Austria) Guiding the conversation with finesse, our moderator for the event was the chair of the SIG on Integrative Medicine, Dr. Sonia Tsukagoshi (UK). WATCH BACK For those of who this webinar on holistic healing, "Harmony in Healthcare - Navigating the Need for Integrative Medicine", the recording is now available on the WONCA YouTube in English and Spanish.
LEARNING FROM POLICIES THAT WORK: A CONVERSATION WITH LEADERS WONCA SIG ON POLICY ADVOCACY Dr. Anna Stavdal (Norway), Immediate Past President of WONCA, and Dr. Lauren Hughes (USA), State Policy Director, Farley Health Policy Center shared their expertise and experience in a webinar hosted by co-chairs of the SIG on Policy Advocacy. Prof Amanda Howe and Dr Sankha Randenikumara on Friday 3 February. With overwhelming participation and fascinating insights, the webinar was a great success and left attendees feeling galvanised and motivated for the year ahead! Watch the recording on the WONCA YouTube.
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CREATING A MANAGEABLE COCKPIT FOR CLINICIANS - FIXING THE WORKPLACE, NOT THE WORKER WONCA WP ON QUALITY AND SAFETY The WONCA Working Party on Quality and Safety warmly welcomes you to join the second in our webinar series on the role of Human Factors Science in improving primary health care. We are delighted that our speaker for this session is Christine Sinsky MD, Vice-President, Professional Satisfaction, American Medical Association. Her topic will be: “Creating a Manageable Cockpit for Clinicians - Fixing the Workplace, not the Worker”. Understand how Human Factors science can reduce burnout. Learn how this can improve primary health care worldwide. Understand shared lessons on human factors from other areas. Get to know some practical human factor toolkits to support day-to-day Family Medicine/General Practice and primary health care practice. A certificate of attendance will be available. A third human factors webinar is planned for later in the year: on further practical human factor toolkits that can help in day-to-day primary health care practice.
Date: Tuesday 12 March 2024 Time: 15:00 -16:00 UTC Target audience: healthcare professionals, policy makers, researchers, and medical educators. CHRISTINE SINSKY MD VICE-PRESIDENT, PROFESSIONAL SATISFACTION, AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Book your place to join this free webinar and receive a link.
A MESSAGE FROM WONCA'S WHO LIAISON, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT ANNA STAVDAL Are you interested in how WHO policy dialogues take place? Take the opportunity to participate in this open invitation for a discussion on Countermeasures against Pandemic Threats. Thursday 22 February 2024 (13:00 - 16:00 UTC) REGISTER BY 19 FEBRUARY HERE
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ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES WONCA POLARIS WONCA Polaris is currently seeking applicants for the PolaRISE mentorship programme. We highly encourage individuals from the North America region to apply, both as mentors and mentees. Email: woncapolaris@gmail.com WONCA Polaris has also recently launched a podcast. Listen to the first episode of empowerED:
WONCA NEWS EDITOR As the incoming editor of WONCA News, I’d like to express my gratitude to Maria Dolores ‘Lola’ Zavala for her invaluable assistance throughout a very enjoyable and thorough handover process.
OUTGOING WONCA NEWS EDITOR MARIA DOLORES ZAVALA ON HER LAST DAY
Lola was in charge of communications at WONCA Secretariat and editor of WONCA News for the last three years. She transformed the organisation’s communications, grew the World Family Doctor Day campaigns, and her sunny disposition is alead Once again, thank you to Lola for her outstanding contributions and for leaving an indelible mark on WONCA News. I look forward to continuing the journey she has paved and to contributing to the continued success of WONCA. If you have a news items to include in the March edition, please get in touch. Diarmuid Hayes WONCA News Editor commmunications@wonca.net
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WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY A Campaign Created by
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