WONCA News May 2024

VOL 50 | NUMBER 4

NEWS WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY A Campaign Created by

HEALTHY PLANET, HEALTHY PEOPLE.

2024

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

FROM THE PRESIDENT

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PRESIDENT-ELECT DR VIVIANA MARTINEZ BIANCHI (US/ARGENTINA)

WONCA NEWS

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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 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)

REGIONAL FIVE STAR DOCTOR AWARDS WONCA SOUTH ASIA REGION CORE VALUES WORKSHOP

WP & SIGS NEWS

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SAR WORKING PARTY (WP) ON RESEARCH WORKSHOP SAR WORKING PARTY (WP) ON WOMEN AND FAMILY MEDICINE WORKING PARTY IN QUALITY & SAFETY

WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY 2024

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WONCA CONFERENCES

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8TH WONCA AFRICA REGION CONFERENCE WONCA ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE 2024 WONCA EMR 2024 WONCA IBEROAMERICANO - CIMF UBUNTU 2024 WONCA EUROPE CONFERENCE WONCA SOUTH ASIA REGION CONFERENCE 2025

YOUNG DOCTORS' REPRESENTATIVE DR CHAN YUEN CHING CHERYL (HONG KONG)

ANNUAL REPORT

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WONCA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DR HARRIS LYGIDAKIS

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES

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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

WICC'S 50+ YEAR CELEBRATION MDD MINDS 101 EN ESPAÑOL SIGPA WEBINAR THE EYFDM PODCAST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2024

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

ASSOC PROF KAREN FLEGG WONCA PRESIDENT

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Repeating the Three Gs This month, I repeat my favourite three words: Governance, Greening and Growth three words summing up what I want to achieve in my time as WONCA President.

GOVERNANCE NEWS – WONCA EXECUTIVE MEETING. In early May, your current WONCA Executive Committee will have had its first two day face-to-face meeting since we commenced our roles, in late October 2023. With only a short half day meeting in Sydney and zoom meetings since, this much-anticipated meeting is being held in Colombo, Sri Lanka following the WONCA South Asia Region conference.

Reports from our region presidents and statutory committee chairs will be received.

Photo: WONCA Executive in Sri Lanka, May 2024.

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The CEO, Harris Lygidakis, will be updating us on progress against our strategic plan objectives. We will have a workshop on our WHO work run by our WHO liaison persons Anna Stavdal and Maria Pilar Astier Peña. Our treasurer, Steve Mowle and our CEO, will guide us through the financial statements and future budget.

Our Organisational Equity committee has suggested that all regions establish regional equity committees. As such, we will be having a workshop on equity, run by the chair of that committee, Jane Namatovou, and our president elect, Viviana Martinez Bianchi, who is well known for her equity leadership.

It will be a busy but hopefully enjoyable and collaborative two days, and we will be able to report any significant outcomes to the short Council meeting that we will be having on June 25th.

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GREENING NEWS – HEALTHY PLANET, HEALTHY PEOPLE. Last month, I wrote about World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) which is coming on May 19. It is our day to celebrate the important work we do, and this year the theme is “Healthy Planet, healthy people”. So, we should consider what we can do to reduce the carbon footprint of our homes, our clinics, our communities and in our consultations.

Family doctors can make a real difference by adopting environmentally friendly practices in our clinics and guiding patients on how to protect their own health while also caring for the planet. I really like Enrique Barros’ idea of making a difference with “one minute for the planet”. Enrique, from Brazil and past Chair of our Working Party on Planetary Health gave an example in my previous column.

This will be the 14th year that we have run the WFDD campaign. Each year, I have looked forward to hearing the innovative and exciting ideas and activities that colleagues all around the world enjoy for this celebration. This year, is the first time we consider what we can do for our planet and our patients. I will be eagerly awaiting the stories and photos that I associate with World Family Doctor Day.

The Working Parties on eHealth, Women in Family Medicine, Ethics, Quality and Safety, Rural Practice and International Classification, and some Special interest Groups, have represented family doctors at WHO events.

The Working Party on Research combined with the Working Party on Mental Health to produce “Anxiety and Depression in Primary Care: International Perspectives” edited by Sherina Mohd Sidik, and Felicity Goodyear-Smith.

Relevant to Family Doctor Day is the new Sustainable Events Policy that can help us hold greener WONCA Conferences. The Working Party on Planetary Health also developed a 2022 statement on metered aerosol inhalers to help in reducing our prescribing carbon footprint.

One of the most durable activities of WONCA groups are books.

GROWTH NEWS – WORKING PARTIES’ AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS’ ACTIVITIES. I have been lucky to have a sneak preview of the annual report of 2023 activities. What has amazed me is the range of activities that our WONCA Working Parties and Special Interest groups (WONCA groups) undertake, and the phenomenal creativity and industry reported for 2023.

I give a few examples only of the work of WONCA Groups, because I would like you to read the WONCA annual report which will be available next month and enjoy the reports of all groups.

These are not just books for people in Europe or in high income countries. Both of them include authors from multiple countries with a different situation in each country.

Something for everyone!

Our WONCA groups have run many webinars on a variety of topics; presented workshops and papers at WONCA conferences; and many other initiatives.

The WP on Mental Health has taken on a major and long-term education and training project (MDD minds project) – watch WONCA News for regular updates.

The Working Party on Education released “Family Medicine in the Undergraduate Curriculum: Preparing medical students to work in evolving healthcare systems”. The editors were Val Wass and Victor Ng.

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They are part of a WONCA series with more information on all titles here.

WONCA BOOK SERIES

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One previous book that remains popular is available to download online, free of charge, is the second edition of the “Rural Medical Education Guidebook” edited by Bruce Chater, chair of the Working Party on Rural Practice. This 2021 version is a massive 860 pages and it remains a useful reference for those who are starting on the journey of setting up a rural medical education programme for the first time.

ENJOY WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY AND PERHAPS CONSIDER JOINING A WONCA GROUP!

ASSOC PROF KAREN FLEGG WONCA PRESIDENT

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DISCOVER OUR REGIONAL FIVE STAR DOCTORS WONCA’s prestigious award, the Five Star Doctor Award, celebrates excellence in healthcare. The winners for 2024 have demonstrated outstanding contributions in the five key areas outlined by Dr. Charles Boelen: care provider, decision maker, communicator, community leader, and manager. Here are the exceptional doctors who have earned this recognition from our seven regions around the world:

AFRICA REGION DR. DAN ABUBAKAR (NIGERIA) Dr. Dan Abubakar, Medical Director and CEO of Danex Medical Centre in Ugep, Cross River State, Nigeria, has made significant strides in rural healthcare. As a dedicated care provider, he offers subsidized medical services through a network of rural clinics.

His leadership in founding the World Organization of Rural Doctors Africa (WoRA) showcases his decision-making prowess. Dr. Abubakar's communication skills are evident in his roles at numerous national and international medical conferences. As a community leader, he has been honored by the Ugep Kingdom with the title of Oboi Wofai Wana of Umor Otutu and serves on the Traditional Rulers Advisory Council. His collaborative efforts in improving healthcare access and quality in rural areas highlight his excellence as a manager.

ASIA PACIFIC REGION DR. KARIN ESTEPA-GARCIA (PHILIPPINES) Dr. Karin 'Kaye' Estepa-Garcia, President of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, has significantly advanced family and palliative medicine in the Philippines. She has been instrumental in the institutionalization of hospice care and played a key role in the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law. As a care provider, she emphasizes holistic patient and family-centered care. Dr. Garcia's decisionmaking skills have led to the formation of a regulatory board for Primary Care Physicians.

Her excellent communication has made her a valued educator and leader, inspiring many to pursue family medicine. She continues to be a strong advocate for primary care and palliative medicine in her community.

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGION

DR. MAISA AL KIYUMI (OMAN) Dr. Maisa Al Kiyumi, Head of the Scientific Committee at the Oman Family Medicine Society, has made notable contributions in endocrinology and continuous professional development. She established the Endocrine Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and has been a pivotal figure in training and CPD at the institution. Dr. Al Kiyumi's effective communication skills are showcased through her workshops and educational initiatives. As a community leader, she actively participates in the Oman Family Medicine Society, leading research and collaborative efforts to improve healthcare. Her dedication to patient care and medical education exemplifies her as a five-star doctor.

EUROPE REGION DR. NATO SHENGELIA (GEORGIA) Dr. Maisa Al Kiyumi, Head of the Scientific Committee at the Oman Family Medicine Society, has made notable contributions in endocrinology and continuous professional development. She established the Endocrine Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and has been a pivotal figure in training and CPD at the institution. Dr. Al Kiyumi's effective communication skills are showcased through her workshops and educational initiatives. As a community leader, she actively participates in the Oman Family Medicine Society, leading research and collaborative efforts to improve healthcare. Her dedication to patient care and medical education exemplifies her as a five-star doctor.

SOUTH ASIA REGION DR. SANATH HETTIGE (SRI LANKA) Dr. Sanath Hettige, a board-certified consultant in family medicine and a senior lecturer, has made remarkable contributions to medical research and education. He is known for his innovative treatments and inventions, such as the Oil of Dermae Moisturizing Cream and Papaya Leaf Capsules for dengue fever. Dr. Hettige's decision-making skills are evident in his

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leadership roles within government health committees and medical organizations. His communication abilities have made him a popular figure in patient health education through numerous TV programs. As a community leader, he has played a pivotal role in improving healthcare policies and practices in Sri Lanka.

IBEROAMERICANA-CIMF REGION DR. MARIA INEZ PADULA ANDERSON (BRAZIL) Dr. Maria Inez Padula Anderson, Scientific Director at the Brazilian Society of Family and Community Medicine, has over 40 years of experience in primary healthcare. Her leadership in medical education and policy has significantly advanced family medicine in Brazil. Dr. Anderson's communication skills have been crucial in translating scientific knowledge to the public, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication to community health and the development of comprehensive healthcare standards highlights her as an exceptional family physician. Her ongoing work continues to inspire and improve healthcare practices across Brazil.

NORTH AMERICA REGION DR. ALDYTH BUCKLAND (JAMAICA) Dr. Aldyth Buckland, Co-Chair of the Planetary Health Working Group at the Caribbean College of Family Physicians, has been a leading advocate for tobacco control and planetary health. Her extensive work in family practice, combined with her certifications in various holistic therapies, demonstrates her holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Buckland's leadership in medical organizations and her advocacy efforts have led to significant health policy changes in Jamaica. Her effective communication and team-building skills have made her a respected figure in both her local community and the broader medical community.

Congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable achievements and contributions to family medicine and primary healthcare. Their dedication and excellence serve as an inspiration to all healthcare professionals worldwide.

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WONCA SOUTH ASIA REGION CORE VALUES WORKSHOP S O U T H A S I A ’ S C O N T R I B U T I O N T O C O R E V A L U E S O F F A M I L Y M E D I C I N E

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The WONCA Core Values Project kicked off last year under the leadership of Dr Anna Stavdal, then WONCA President. The purpose of the Project is to conduct a global brainstorming process on core values and the definition of the specialty of family medicine, to raise awareness of these principles for clinical practice and research, and to build a common identity.

The regional leads of the project had agreed to conduct workshops along with each regional conference. As the first region to organise a regional conference, South Asia region had conducted a workshop with the aims of serving as a brainstorming session to nurture WONCA core values project and raising awareness about family medicine core values among the participants.

The workshop was initiated with an introduction to the WONCA core values project by Dr Anna Stavdal.

The Regional Lead of the project Dr Sankha Randenikumara presented the preliminary results of the survey conducted among the family doctors of South Asia which reflected newly emerged core values and core values that are culturally relevant. Then the floor was opened for discussion. An extensive and rich dialogue took place among the participants regarding different aspects of core values, obstacles encountered in including family medicine core values to undergraduates and postgraduate curricular and different methods that could be used in identifying core values.

PROJECT LEADS Dr Sankha Randenikumara (South Asia Regional Lead - WONCA Core Values Project) Dr Anna Stavdal (WONCA Core Values Project Lead) Dr Raman Kumar, Dr Pramendra Prasad Gupta, Dr Hina Jawaid (South Asia Core Group members - WONCA Core Values Project)

The enthusiasm shown by the attendees further justified the purpose of the core values project. Core values team highly appreciated the feedback received and pledged to enrich the next steps with those ideas. Furthermore, the importance of having a common denominator for our professional development and advocacy was reiterated by the core values project leads.

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In addition to the above core group, Dr Zainab Anjarwala (Pakistan), Prof Chhabhi Lal Adhikari (Bhutan), Dr Kinley Bhuti (Bhutan), Dr Paramita Kari (Bangladesh), Dr Kabir Khan (Bangladesh), Dr Ramakrishna Prasad (India), Prof Shyamalee Samaranayake (Sri Lanka) contribute to the project as team members of South Asia.

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WONCA SAR WORKING PARTY (WP) ON RESEARCH WORKSHOP 4 T H

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In order to provide high quality healthcare in low and middle-income countries, it is imperative to support general practitioners/ family physicians in conducting research (capacity building). The aim of this workshop was to explore what participants already knew and seek ways to encourage their participation in primary care research.

1. Discuss the importance of research in Evidence Based Medicine in General Practice/ Family Medicine 2. Discuss basic concepts and foundation of research methodology and academic writing 3. Demonstrate ways to identify good research topic and search database for conducting good literature search 4. Explain research ethics in planning and conducting research Following introduction to the WP, brief presentations were given by all the facilitators on above learning objectives.

Historical perspective on research ethics included mentioning of Nuremberg code, Belmont Report, Nazi experiments and Declaration of Helsinki. The facilitators highlighted the fundamentals of research ethics. They emphasised that adhering to these principles are essential for protecting participants, maintaining integrity, avoiding harm, promoting equity and justice, respecting privacy and confidentiality, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Different ways to develop research questions and how to fine tune them were discussed.

An understanding of the research process and basic steps to be taken when conducting studies on topics relevant and feasible in their day-to-day general practice.

Furthermore, this workshop touched upon the key considerations of authorship criteria too.

We shared the insights we gained about challenges in conducting research by family doctors in South Asia in a recent study. Our study findings showed that most primary care physicians recognise the value of research. However, obstacles such as a lack of mentorship, formal training, and financial support hinder their research efforts. A fruitful discussion was held regarding the motivating factors we identified which could be used to inspire more primary care physicians to engage in research.

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FACILITATORS Dr Abdul Jalil Khan, Dr Hina Jawaid, Dr Sankha Randenikumara.

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ENSURING WOMEN ARE PART OF THE HEALTHY PEOPLE IN A HEALTHY PLANET! Authors: Dr. Elizabeth Reji (Chair WWPWFM) & Dr. Hina Jawaid (Co-Chair: WWPWFM & Regional Lead WWPWFM SAR) WONCA Working Party on Women and Family Medicine was established in 2001. As of 2023, this working party has expanded to the various WONCA regions. Currently, 5 WONCA regions have a fully functional team of this working party (WP): Africa, Europe, Iberoamericana, North America, and South Asia. All the regions are very active with webinars, conferences, educational meetings, etc. Both young and old women who are Family Physicians or General Practitioners can join this WP to improve themselves in various ways like leadership, presentations of papers, etc., to reach their full potential and to make changes within the society.

VISION To promote the role of women family doctors working in Wonca, to highlight their special contributions and reduce the barriers facing them, thereby enabling them to reach their full potential and enhance the contributions of family physicians/GPs around the world to clinical care, women’s health, education, research, and leadership in family medicine.

OBJECTIVES OF WP To develop a regional team in all the WONCA regions.

To develop a communication platform within WWPWFM and Wonca.

To have activities on women’s health in all the regions.

To develop mentorship programs and support women to become leaders within the regions and WONCA. To develop teaching and research activities within the regions.

To have pre-conferences and fireplace wisdom in all the regional and world conferences.

WONCA WORKING PARTY ON WOMEN AND FAMILY MEDICINE (SOUTH ASIA REGION) Country leads: South Asia region (SAR) joined the WWPWFM Bangladesh: Dr. Paramita Karim on 8th March 2023 (International Women’s Bhutan: Dr. Kinley Bhutti Day). A regional team was developed from 28 India: Vidhya Raghavendran members from the 6 member organizations Nepal: Dr. Rajani Giri of SAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan: Dr. Zara Muhammad Pakistan, Sri Lanka).

Sri Lanka: Dr. Dilini Ilapperuma Baranage The regional team consists of the following members: Lead: Dr. Hina Jawaid (Pakistan) Communication Lead: Dr. P. Asanka S.R. Pathiratne (Sri Lanka) Young Dr. Lead: Dr. Gunjan Jha (India)

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Membership list has increased after the Sydney conference and now they have 62 members. Members are connected through social media/WhatsApp group where all members are free to discuss meetings, agendas, work-related matters, and take advice from colleagues. They have an opendoor policy, are inclusive, flexible, and encourage sharing ideas.

WWPWFM SAR has been very active in educational teaching and training, clinical, and research activities both regionally and globally. They have not only supported and promoted female family physicians/general practitioners, including young doctors in the region, but also collaborated with other WPs/SIGs and institutions/organizations globally. They have showcased their work in regional and international family medicine conferences, in the WONCA Global Newsletter, and have reached out to a wider audience. Six to seven Family Physicians regularly contribute to print media on primary care and health-related topics.

A rotating schedule for all 6 countries has been developed for the year and this allows each regional country to present their work monthly. About 10 webinars have been conducted on various international or regional health/awareness days/months (e.g., breast cancer awareness, WDD, SAR Heritage).

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In addition, they support WP colleagues in other regions (e.g., North America), WONCA EMR Family Violence project (WP), plenary health research WP, and PMNCH/WHO. Despite a small workforce from Bangladesh and Bhutan, with only 2 female FPs from each country, their contributions have been significant and this is commendable.

During the 2024 International Women’s Day, a panel discussion was conducted on the theme 'Maintaining work-life balance as a female physician'. This was arranged by a mix of vibrant young and experienced doctors who shared ideas and gave valuable inputs.

In the recent WONCA World conference in October 2023 in Sydney, 24% of abstracts from women were from SAR. Similarly, in the regional conference in Colombo (3rd to 5th May 2024), this WP had a total of 27 accepted abstracts (15 as oral, 12 as poster, and 1 panel discussion) with 8 of these by the young doctor’s group.

WONCA WORKING PARTY ON WOMEN AND FAMILY MEDICINE WORKSHOP: WONCA SAR CONFERENCE COLOMBO 4TH MAY 2024 A team of women presented the history of SAR WWPWFM and their achievements. The current statistics of SAR women’s health (maternal deaths, use of contraception, gynecological and non-communicable diseases including breast cancer, mental health issues, and domestic violence) were presented followed by robust group discussions.

The presence of Anna Stavdal, Val Wass, and Keren Flagg encouraged the young doctors to show their leadership styles during the feedback session. Emphasis on women empowerment, health awareness, and early screening through robust primary care systems was encouraged. There were about 20 females and 5 males that joined the workshop from various countries, including Africa and Europe.

Fire side wisdom: sharing our experience on women’s health.

The team of female FPs/GPs are currently in the process of compiling a program (online) for World Doctor Day on the 19th of May 2024 in all five regions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Family Doctors for their commitment towards their patients.

In this era of war and crime against women, I humbly request all the Family Doctors to ensure that women are taken care of with due respect in all aspects of life to ensure healthy people and a healthy planet. Happy Family Doctor’s Day!

Reference: 1. WONCA Working Party: Women and Family Medicine https://www.globalfamilydoctor.com/groups/Wo rkingParties/WomenandFamilyMedicine.aspx

DR ELIZABETH REJI

Chair: WWPWFM

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WHO LAUNCHES THE PATIENT SAFETY RIGHTS CHARTER The World Health Organization (WHO) has just launched the Patient Safety Rights Charter, a significant document unveiled during the 6th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety in Chile on April 18, 2024. This landmark resource supports the implementation of the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030, aiming to eliminate avoidable harm in healthcare settings worldwide. Developed as part of the commemorations for World Patient Safety Day 2023 under the theme "Engaging patients for patient safety" (adopted in response to a proposal elevated by the WONCA Working Party in Quality & Safety) and the slogan “Elevate the voice of patients!”, the Charter represents a significant stride toward integrating patient safety into global health agendas.

The development of the Charter involved a broad array of stakeholders, including patient advocates, safety experts, human rights specialists, healthcare workers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders. This collaborative approach ensured that the Charter's provisions are both comprehensive and applicable across diverse health systems. Based on extensive reviews of existing patient rights charters and legal instruments worldwide, the document reflects a global consensus on the need for heightened patient safety measures.

The Charter articulates ten fundamental patient safety rights, which serve as a blueprint for countries to enhance healthcare practices and promote the rights of patients within the context of safety.

These rights address various aspects of healthcare, from the right to timely, effective, and appropriate care, to the right to be heard and to fair resolution. Each right underscores the importance of creating a safe, respectful, and dignified healthcare environment for every patient.

JOSE M VALDERAS

Chairman, WONCA Working Party in Quality & Safety

KEY PATIENT SAFETY RIGHTS Right to Timely and Appropriate Care: Patients are entitled to receive care that is not only timely but also effective and specifically tailored to their health needs. This is crucial in preventing disease progression and clinical deterioration, which are often the results of delays in care.

Right to Safe Health Care Processes: This right ensures that all healthcare processes and practices are safe, and that health workers adhere to established safety protocols to prevent and manage risks effectively.

Right to Qualified Health Workers: Every patient deserves care from providers who are not only qualified but also competent and compassionate, reflecting the highest standards of medical integrity and empathy.

Right to Safe Medical Products: This right guarantees access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medical products and technologies, essential for quality health care.

Right to Safe Healthcare Facilities: Patients must receive care in facilities that are secure, well-maintained, and resilient, especially critical in emergencies or disasters.

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Right to Dignity and Respect: This encompasses treatment without discrimination, respecting the patient's dignity, autonomy, and preferences throughout their healthcare journey.

Right to Privacy and Confidentiality: Patients have the right to expect that their personal and medical information will be protected, ensuring their privacy and confidentiality at all times.

Right to Information and Education: Ensuring that patients are well-informed about their health conditions and treatment options empowers them to participate actively in their own care.

Right to Access to Medical Records: Patients should be able to access their medical records freely and securely, which is fundamental for facilitating informed decision-making.

Right to Patient and Family Engagement: This right emphasizes the role of patients and their families as active partners in the healthcare process, promoting a collaborative approach to health and safety.

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For family doctors, the Charter provides a useful framework for practice. It highlights the necessity of engaging with patients not just as recipients of care, but as active participants whose insights and experiences can drive improvements in safety and quality. The rights enshrined in the Charter encourage a more inclusive and respectful healthcare environment where patient input and feedback are integral to the care process. More about this can be found at the Working Party in Quality & Safety.

The Charter aligns with this year's World Health Day theme, 'My Health, My Right.', by positioning patient safety at the core of universal health coverage and healthcare rights. It calls on healthcare providers and policymakers to adopt its principles to ensure that patient safety is not an optional add-on but a fundamental aspect of healthcare delivery.

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In practical terms, family doctors can implement the Charter by ensuring that their practices uphold these rights daily. This can involve simple actions like improving communication with patients, ensuring privacy and confidentiality in consultations, and actively involving patients in decisionmaking about their treatment plans. It also means advocating for policies and practices in healthcare settings that support these rights, thus driving systemic change.

The Charter is not just a set of guidelines but a call to action. It urges healthcare professionals, especially family doctors, to champion the rights of patients to safe and respectful care. By embracing and promoting these rights, family doctors can play a critical role in minimizing preventable harm and enhancing the overall patient experience.

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This year, as we reflect on the theme 'My Health, My Right.', the Patient Safety Rights Charter offers an exceptional opportunity to champion safe healthcare as a basic human right. It urges healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients themselves to advocate for and adopt its principles actively. As family doctors, embracing this Charter means not only advancing our practice but also fostering a safer, more transparent, and patient-centered healthcare environment for all.

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WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY HEALTHY PLANET, HEALTHY PEOPLE. On Sunday, 19 May, we celebrated World Family Doctor Day with hundreds of member organizations and thousands of family doctors around the world. The day was dedicated to honouring family doctors and raising awareness about planetary health. An impressive 3,500 people changed their profile pictures to show support. Reports of various activities are already coming in and will be featured in the next edition of WONCA News.

The global engagement and passion from family doctors everywhere have been truly inspiring. Together, we're shaping the future of healthcare and championing planetary health. www.worldfamilydoctorday.org

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WATCH OUR VIDEO

A collaboration between WONCA Working Party on Planetary Health, the Young Doctors’ Movement and the WONCA Secretariat.

Featuring: Dr. Yusuf Al-Tahoo (Bahrain), Dr. Kinley Bhuti (Bhutan), Dr. Cheryl Chan (Hong Kong), Dr. Chang Pingsun (Taiwan), Prof Karen Flegg (Australia), Dr. Özden Gökdemir (Turkey), Dr. Paula Henry (Trinidad and Tobago), Dr. Stuart Holmes (UK), Dr. Dilge Kocabaş (Turkey), Dr. Terry Kemple (UK), Prof Michael Kidd (Australia), Dr. Maira Alejandra León (Colombia), Dr. Aisha Mwatuwano (Kenya), Dr. Catherine Pendrey (Australia), Dr. Andrée Rochfort (Ireland), Dr. Maram Smairat (Jordan), Dr. Sonja Wicklum (Canada) A special thanks to Dr Sankha Randenikumara and Dr Cheryl Chan for their help in gathering the videos.

All nature footage is freely available to use at OpenPlanet.org.

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Make a difference in global healthcare by supporting WONCA and Family Doctors!

As the World Organization of Family Doctors, we represent over half a million family doctors around the globe. At WONCA, we firmly believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right.

Help us give family doctors a global voice donate to WONCA today!

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.

Celebrate World Family Doctor Day by helping us on the critical mission of improving the quality of life of the people of the world.

Join World Family Doctor Day 2023 and honour the incredible work of family doctors everywhere.

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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8TH WONCA AFRICA REGION CONFERENCE

2ND INTERNATIONAL WONCA EMERGENCY MEDICINE SIG SEMINAR (WEMSEM 2024).

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.

ABOUT 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 pre-conference will feature three intensive workshops designed to cover essential aspects of emergency medicine that are pivotal for young family doctors: When: 5th June 2024 (9 AM - 3 PM)

WORKSHOP SESSIONS 2. ECG: Most Threatening Rhythms for the Family Doctor: Participants will learn to identify and manage the most life-threatening cardiac rhythms, with practical sessions on ECG interpretation and emergency interventions.

3. Mass Casualty Incident Management: 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 TODAY

Where: Aga Khan University Hospital

WORKSHOP SESSIONS 1. Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) ECHO Modules: This workshop will provide handson training in the use of point-of-care ultrasound, focusing on echocardiography modules to aid in the rapid assessment and diagnosis of patients.

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WONCA NEWS

WONCA ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE 2024 SINGAPORE

DISCOVER THE EXCITING PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS OF WONCA APR CONFERENCE 2024!

DR. DANIELLE MARTIN

PROFESSOR JANE GUNNA

PROFESSOR ENRICO COIERA

RELATIONSHIPS AS TOOLS FOR CHANGE

HISTORY OF DEPRESSION MANAGEMENT IN PRIMARY CARE: THE POLICIES AND THE EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH IN SUPPORT OF ‘WHAT WORKS, WHY, WHEN, AND WHAT DOESN’T WORK’

WORKING IN A WORLD WITH AI

DR CATHERINE PENDREY

PROFESSOR GERALD KOH

SUSTAINABLE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

HEALTHIER SG: LESSONS SO FAR

IMPORTANT DATES

A/P LOW LIAN LENG

Early Bird Registration Deadline 30 June 2024

TRANSLATING RESEARCH FROM DISCOVERY TO BEDSIDE TO POPULATION AND SOCIETY FOR IMPACT

Conference Dates 21 - 24 August 2024

FIND OUT MORE

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Get ready to delve into the dynamic world of healthcare innovation and excellence at the upcoming WONCA APR Conference 2024!

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WONCA NEWS

WELCOME

IMPORTANT DATES

VENUE

As the President of The Wonca EMR Organization, it is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you to the Wonca East Mediterranean Region Family Medicine Congress 2024, which will be held on 3rd October 2024 in Jordan.

This year’s conference has been designed to provide an innovative and comprehensive overview of the latest research developments in Family Medicine and Primary Health Care.

Over the course of three days, the conference will feature symposia, keynote sessions, parallel workshops and abstract presentations.

May 1 - Abstract Submissions Open (Oral/Poster) May 1 - Early Bird Registration Opens Jun 3 - Program Topics Announced Jun 11 - Speakers & Faculty Announced Jul 1 - Abstracts Submissions Close (Oral/Poster) Jul 10 - Author Notifications (Oral/Poster) Jul 17 - Deadline for Authors to Complete Registration Jul 18 - Final Program Announced Aug 15 - Early Bird Registration Close Sep 7 - CME Announced Oct 3 - WONCA EMR 2024 goes live!

Fairmont Amman

We hereby invite you all to share the results of your scientific research with us by submitting an abstract of your work, and by joining us in sharing our vision of Wonca EMR Family Medicine Congress 2024: Towards Resilience Sustainable Primary Health Care.

We welcome you to the beautiful country of Jordan, and wish you three days of education, knowledge sharing and unforgettable experiences.

I look forward to meeting you at Wonca EMR 2024!

ABDULAZIZ AL-MAHREZI

President, WONCA East Mediterranean

Venue: Fairmont Amman.

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CONFERENCE WEBSITE https://www.woncaemr2024.com/ THEME This year's theme is "Towards Resilient Sustainable Primary Health Care." Expect a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, including symposia, keynote sessions, workshops, and the presentation of research papers.

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WONCA NEWS

WONCA RURAL CONFERENCE

UBUNTU 2024

REGISTER NOW!

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: 10 - 14 SEPTEMBER 2024.

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 it’s 45th anniversary in 2024, and the 20th WONCA World Rural Health Conference!

This conference is being co-hosted by 5 partners in Cape Town, South Africa: University of the Western Cape; University of Cape Town; Stellenbosch University; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and the Department of Health and Wellness – Western Cape Government.

This joint conference has been named Ubuntu 2024; referring to the meaning of Ubuntu “I am, because you are”.

Ubuntu 2024 conference.

will

be

a

fully

hybrid

Registration for Ubuntu 2024 is open.

Deadline for registration closes on July 31, 2024 (PHYSICAL) & August 18, 2024 (VIRTUAL). For South African Residents we offer the possibility to pay in ZAR locally for physical registrations. Direct Members of WONCA can register through the link provided, any registration will be checked against an active membership. You will need to provide your ID.

Anyone presenting at the conference has to be registered by June 30, 2024, to be included in the program for Ubuntu 2024!

The Post Conference Tour is only available for physical attendees who have a fully paid physical registration. There are ONLY 50 places, and it’s on a first come basis. So the first 50 individuals who pay for postconference and are eligible will have the places.

POST CONFERENCE TOUR Embark on a breathtaking Four-day Tour from Cape Town to the Garden Route, exploring some of the most picturesque regions in South Africa.

The tour will showcase the natural beauty of the Western and Southern Cape regions, including the iconic Garden Route, along with clinical training sites of Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town. The tour will provide an immersive experience, highlighting the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the region, as well as health professional training in these areas.

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WONCA NEWS

WONCA EUROPE CONFERENCE The notification deadline for abstract acceptance may be slightly delayed due to the extension of the abstract submission deadline.

Despite the extended deadline, the Scientific Committee provides you with a notification no later than 26 May 2024.

25 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2024.

DUBLIN, IRELAND.

For more information visit: www.woncaeurope2024.org

More key note speakers have just been announced including Tomas Zapata (Spain), Ana Luisa Neves (Portugal), Alexandre Gouveia (Portugal), Niels H. Chavannes (Netherlands), Eva Kozub (France), Mercy Nafula Wanjala (Kenya)

SEE ALL KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

PODCAST: DR. ANDRÉE ROCHFORT PREVIEWS THE WONCA EUROPE 2024 CONFERENCE Dr Andrée Rochfort is a GP in Wexford, Ireland and the Co-Chair of the Scientific committee of WONCA Europe. Listen to her describe the exciting build up to the WONCA Europe Conference.

This podcast is produced by Aileen O'Meara for the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP).

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WONCA NEWS

SOUTH ASIA REGION CONFERENCE 2025 BENGALURU, INDIA. We are thrilled to announce that the WONCA South Asia Region Conference 2025 will be held in Bengaluru, India!

Hosted by the Academy of Family Physicians of India, this conference will bring together leading family medicine practitioners and experts from across the region. Stay tuned for more information!

Dates: 4 - 6 April 2025 Theme: "Rooted in tradition, growing with innovation. Family Medicine for South Asian Well-being" WATCH THE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

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WONCA NEWS

DISCOVER OUR

ANNUAL

REPORT

2023

This report is a comprehensive overview of the WONCA global community's collective achievements and highlights over the past year.

Together, we can continue to build a stronger global community!

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GO TO REPORT

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U P D A T E S

WONCA NEWS

REMINDER: WICC'S 50+ YEAR CELEBRATION IS ALMOST HERE! Join us as we mark over half a century of achievements with the WONCA International Classification Committee!

PROFESSOR, DR. GUSTAVO GUSSO

WICC Chair

Register to attend this meeting

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Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the leaders who have guided WICC through its rich history.

Date: May 24th, 2024 Time: 11:00 to 13:00 CEST Location: Online via Zoom

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WONCA NEWS

ENGLISH

ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF THE SPANISH VERSION OF MDD MINDS 101 We are thrilled to announce that the MDD Minds 101 self-paced online course is now available in Spanish, with registrations open for participants from Mexico and Peru.

This course, developed by WONCA’s Working Party on Mental Health, is the product of a collaborative effort by experts from 12 different countries, including Dr. José Javier Mendoza Velásquez from Mexico and Dr. Yasmin Cordova Rios from Peru. The curriculum is specifically designed to improve your knowledge and skills in managing Major Depressive Disorders.

We invite you to participate in the MDD Minds 101 course, where you will not only advance your professional development but also make a positive impact on the lives of many, emphasizing the vital role you play in our healthcare system.

Join us and become a part of this transformative experience.

The MDD Minds team.

REGISTER

ESPAÑOL

ANUNCIO DEL LANZAMIENTO DE LA VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL DE MDD MINDS 101 Nos complace anunciar que el curso en línea autodidacta MDD Minds 101 ya está disponible en español, con inscripciones abiertas para participantes de México y Perú.

Este curso, desarrollado por el Grupo de Trabajo en Salud Mental de WONCA, es el producto de un esfuerzo colaborativo de expertos de 12 países diferentes, incluidos el Dr. José Javier Mendoza Velásquez de México y la Dra. Yasmin Cordova Rios de Perú. El programa está específicamente diseñado para mejorar su conocimiento y habilidades en el manejo de Trastornos Depresivos Mayores.

Le invitamos a participar en el curso MDD Minds 101, donde no solo avanzará en su desarrollo profesional, sino que también tendrá un impacto positivo en la vida de muchas personas, destacando el papel vital que desempeña en nuestro sistema de salud.

PARA REGISTRARSE, POR FAVOR VISITE

Únase a nosotros y sea parte de esta experiencia transformadora.

Atentamente El equipo de MDD Minds.

WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE MDD MINDS 101 SELFPACED ONLINE COURSE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH, PORTUGUESE, JAPANESE AND ENGLISH. 27

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LIVING A LIFE OF ADVOCACY REGISTER HERE – AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM OUR PRESIDENT-ELECT WONCA's Special Interest Group on Policy Advocacy (SIGPA) is excited to announce our next webinar, “Living a Life of Advocacy,” will be held on May 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. UTC.

A MESSAGE FROM SIGPA CO CHAIR PROF AMANDA HOWE

“Dr. Viviana Martinez Bianchi is one of our most influential WONCA leaders. Vivi has long-standing expertise in advocacy and has used this in her clinical work with underserved communities to strive for policies that improve health equity.

EVENT DETAILS She has also been passionate about sharing the skills of Title: Living a Life of Advocacy – An Opportunity to advocacy with family doctors and their teams, in order that Learn from Our President-Elect we can secure and improve our status in all health systems.

Date: May 31, 2024 She will be the keynote speaker in our next webinar, to share Time: 11:00 a.m. UTC (7:00 a.m. EDT, 12:00 p.m. BST) her views on how we can work together for better policy Registration Link: Register Here Panellists: advocacy. You, and our panel of regional leads, will be Dr Mariano Grenero, Argentina, WONCA Iberoamerica able to ask her questions - to draw on her experience; to Dr Marina Guisado, Spain, WONCA Europe learn; and to be inspired!"

Dr Hina Jawaid, Pakistan, WONCA South Asia Viviana Martinez Bianchi MD, one of WONCA’s most influential leaders and President-Elect, will be the keynote speaker.

Hosted by: Prof Amanda Howe and Dr Sankha Randenikumara, Co-chairs, WONCA Special Interest Group of Policy Advocacy.

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THE EYFDM PODCAST THE EUROPEAN YOUNG FAMILY DOCTOR'S MOVEMENT (EYFDM) HAS STARTED A PODCAST. “In each episode we invite interesting guests with extraordinary jobs in Family Medicine.

From rural health care, to exciting training opportunities, to the presidencies of EYFDM and WONCA, it's all there. If you haven't listened yet, this is your chance to get a lifechanging insight into Family Medicine training in Europe and beyond!”

Episode 1: Dr Stuart Holmes: current EYFDM President.

Episode 2: Prof Dr Viviana Martinez-Bianchi: President (elect) WONCA World.

Episode 3: Dr. Kyle Eggleton: Both Rural GP and Academic (assoc. Dean: Auckland University).

Episode 4: Dr. Anneliese Willems: How to combine a primary care career and academia at Melbourne University.

Episode 5: Prof. Dr. Nele Michels: What is EURACT and how do we make our postgraduate learning experience worthwhile?

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE (ICCH 2024) Date: 9-13 September 2024 Location: Residencia de Estudiantes Ramón Pignatelli Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain

The International Conference on Communication in Healthcare (ICCH 2024) is scheduled to take place from September 913, 2024, in Zaragoza, Spain, at the Residencia de Estudiantes Ramón Pignatelli Zaragoza. This event is organized by EACH (International Association for Communication in Healthcare) in collaboration with the Academy of Communication in Healthcare (ACH).

ICCH 2024 will bring together a global community of healthcare researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers.

The conference offers a unique platform for the international and interactive exchange of ideas and outcomes related to education, research, and policy activities in healthcare communication. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and present their work through a variety of diverse and engaging sessions.

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For those unable to attend in person, onlineonly tickets will be available. This conference represents an excellent opportunity to connect with the global healthcare communication community and to share advancements in this critical field.

Further details and registration information can be found on the ICCH 2024 website.

ICHH WEBSITE