WONCA News May 2024

WONCAPRESIDENT

ASSOCIATEPROFESSORKARENFLEGG(AUSTRALIA) EMAIL:PRESIDENT@WONCANET

PRESIDENT-ELECT DRVIVIANAMARTINEZBIANCHI(US/ARGENTINA)

WONCAIMMEDIATEPASTPRESIDENT&WHOLIAISON DRANNASTAVDAL(NORWAY)

EXECUTIVEMEMBERATLARGE& HONORARYTREASURER DRSTEVEMOWLE(UK)

EXECUTIVEMEMBERATLARGE ADJPROFESSORKARENPRICE(AUSTRALIA)

EXECUTIVEMEMBERATLARGE DRMARÍAPILARASTIERPEÑA(SPAIN)

REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCAAFRICA DRJANEFRANCESNAMATOVU(UGANDA)

REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCAASIAPACIFIC DR BRIANCHANG(TAIWAN)

REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCAEAST MEDITERRANEAN DRABDULAZIZMAHMOODNASSERAL-MAHREZI(OMAN)

REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCAEUROPE PROFSHLOMOVINKER (ISRAEL)

REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCAIBEROAMERICANACIMF DRDORAPATRICIABERNALOCAMPO(COLOMBIA)

REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCANORTHAMERICA DRVICTORKNG(CANADA)

REGIONALPRESIDENT,WONCASOUTHASIA DRKANAPATHIPILLAISRIRANJAN(SRILANKA) YOUNGDOCTORS'REPRESENTATIVE DRCHANYUENCHINGCHERYL(HONGKONG)

WONCACHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER DRHARRISLYGIDAKIS

WONCAWORLDSECRETARIAT WORLDORGANIZATIONOFFAMILYDOCTORS AVENUEDESARTS7-8 1210BRUSSELS BELGIUM

EMAIL:SECRETARIAT@WONCANET PHONE:+32(0)23290075

WONCAEDITOR

DIARMUIDHAYES

EMAIL:COMMUNICATIONS@WONCANET

REGIONAL FIVE STAR DOCTOR AWARDS

WORKING

UBUNTU 2024

WONCA SOUTH ASIA REGION CONFERENCE 2025

WICC'S 50+ YEAR CELEBRATION

MDD MINDS 101 EN ESPAÑOL

SIGPA WEBINAR THE EYFDM PODCAST

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2024

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Repeating the Three Gs

This month, I repeat my favourite three words:Governance,GreeningandGrowththree words summing up what I want to achieveinmytimeasWONCAPresident.

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 statutorycommitteechairswillbereceived

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 personsAnnaStavdalandMariaPilarAstierPeña Our treasurer, Steve Mowle and our CEO, will guide us through the financial statements andfuturebudget.

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 MartinezBianchi, who is well known for her equity leadership

Itwillbeabusybuthopefullyenjoyableand collaborativetwodays,andwewillbeableto report any significant outcomes to the short Council meeting that we will be having on June25th.

Photo: WONCA Executive in Sri Lanka, May 2024

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

Familydoctorscanmakearealdifferenceby adopting environmentally friendly practices inourclinicsandguidingpatientsonhowto protecttheirownhealthwhilealsocaringfor theplanet IreallylikeEnriqueBarros’ideaof makingadifferencewith“oneminuteforthe planet” Enrique, from Brazil and past Chair of our Working Party on Planetary Health gaveanexampleinmypreviouscolumn.

This will be the 14th year that we have run theWFDDcampaign Eachyear,Ihavelooked 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 WorldFamilyDoctorDay

GROWTH NEWS – WORKING PARTIES’ AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS’ ACTIVITIES.

Ihavebeenluckytohaveasneakpreviewof theannualreportof2023activities.Whathas amazedmeistherangeofactivitiesthatour WONCAWorkingPartiesandSpecialInterest groups (WONCA groups) undertake, and the phenomenalcreativityandindustryreported for2023.

I give a few examples only of the work of WONCA Groups, because I would like you to readtheWONCAannualreportwhichwillbe available next month and enjoy the reports ofallgroups

OurWONCAgroupshaverunmanywebinars on a variety of topics; presented workshops and papers at WONCA conferences; and manyotherinitiatives

The WP on Mental Health has taken on a major and long-term education and training project(MDDmindsproject)–watchWONCA Newsforregularupdates.

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 WHOevents

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 prescribingcarbonfootprint.

OneofthemostdurableactivitiesofWONCA groupsarebooks

The Working Party on Education released “Family Medicine in the Undergraduate Curriculum:Preparingmedicalstudentsto workinevolvinghealthcaresystems”.The editorswereValWassandVictorNg

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

ThesearenotjustbooksforpeopleinEurope or in high income countries Both of them includeauthorsfrommultiplecountrieswith adifferentsituationineachcountry

Somethingforeveryone!

They are part of a WONCA series with more informationonalltitleshere.

One previous book that remains popular is availabletodownloadonline,freeofcharge, 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 programmeforthefirsttime

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

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 sevenregionsaroundtheworld:

AFRICA REGION

DR DAN ABUBAKAR (NIGERIA)

Dr Dan Abubakar, Medical Director and CEO ofDanexMedicalCentreinUgep,CrossRiver State,Nigeria,hasmadesignificantstridesin 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'scommunicationskillsareevident 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 WofaiWanaofUmorOtutuandservesonthe Traditional Rulers Advisory Council His collaborativeeffortsinimprovinghealthcare accessandqualityinruralareashighlighthis excellenceasamanager.

ASIA PACIFIC REGION

DR. KARIN ESTEPA-GARCIA (PHILIPPINES)

Dr. Karin 'Kaye' Estepa-Garcia, President of thePhilippineAcademyofFamilyPhysicians, 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,sheemphasizesholisticpatientand family-centered care Dr Garcia's decisionmaking skills have led to the formation of a regulatoryboardforPrimaryCarePhysicians Herexcellentcommunicationhasmadehera valued educator and leader, inspiring many to pursue family medicine. She continues to be a strong advocate for primary care and palliativemedicineinhercommunity.

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 SheestablishedtheEndocrine Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital andhasbeenapivotalfigureintrainingand CPD at the institution Dr Al Kiyumi's effective communication skills are showcased through her workshops and educational initiatives. As a community leader,sheactivelyparticipatesintheOman Family Medicine Society, leading research and collaborative efforts to improve healthcare Her dedication to patient care and medical education exemplifies her as a five-stardoctor.

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 SheestablishedtheEndocrine Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital andhasbeenapivotalfigureintrainingand CPD at the institution. Dr. Al Kiyumi's effective communication skills are showcased through her workshops and educational initiatives As a community leader,sheactivelyparticipatesintheOman Family Medicine Society, leading research and collaborative efforts to improve healthcare. Her dedication to patient care and medical education exemplifies her as a five-stardoctor

SOUTH ASIA REGION

DR SANATH HETTIGE (SRI LANKA)

Dr Sanath Hettige, a board-certified consultant in family medicine and a senior lecturer,hasmaderemarkablecontributions 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-makingskillsareevidentinhis

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 practicesinSriLanka.

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 hassignificantlyadvancedfamilymedicinein 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 acrossBrazil.

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 havemadeherarespectedfigureinbothher local community and the broader medical community.

Congratulationstoallthewinnersfortheir remarkable achievements and contributions to family medicine and primary healthcare. Their dedication and excellence serve as an inspiration to all healthcareprofessionalsworldwide

WONCA SOUTH ASIA REGION CORE VALUES WORKSHOP

The WONCA Core Values Project kicked off last year under the leadership of Dr Anna Stavdal,thenWONCAPresident.Thepurpose of the Project is to conduct a global brainstormingprocessoncorevaluesandthe definitionofthespecialtyoffamilymedicine, to raise awareness of these principles for clinical practice and research, and to build a commonidentity.

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 aimsofservingasabrainstormingsessionto nurture WONCA core values project and raising awareness about family medicine corevaluesamongtheparticipants

The workshop was initiated with an introduction to the WONCA core values projectbyDrAnnaStavdal.

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 wasopenedfordiscussion Anextensiveand 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 identifyingcorevalues

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,theimportanceofhaving a common denominator for our professional developmentandadvocacywasreiteratedby thecorevaluesprojectleads

PROJECT LEADS

Dr Sankha Randenikumara (South Asia RegionalLead-WONCACoreValuesProject)

DrAnnaStavdal(WONCACoreValuesProject Lead)

Dr Raman Kumar, Dr Pramendra Prasad Gupta, Dr Hina Jawaid (South Asia Core Group members - WONCA Core Values Project)

In addition to the above core group, Dr ZainabAnjarwala(Pakistan),ProfChhabhiLal Adhikari (Bhutan), Dr Kinley Bhuti (Bhutan), DrParamitaKari(Bangladesh),DrKabirKhan (Bangladesh),DrRamakrishnaPrasad(India), Prof Shyamalee Samaranayake (Sri Lanka) contributetotheprojectasteammembersof SouthAsia

WONCA SAR WORKING PARTY (WP) ON RESEARCH WORKSHOP

4 T H M A Y 2 0 2 4 , C O L O

Inordertoprovidehighqualityhealthcarein low and middle-income countries, it is imperative to support general practitioners/ family physicians in conducting research (capacitybuilding).Theaimofthisworkshop was to explore what participants already knew and seek ways to encourage their participationinprimarycareresearch

1. Discuss the importance of research in EvidenceBasedMedicineinGeneralPractice/ FamilyMedicine

2 Discuss basic concepts and foundation of researchmethodologyandacademicwriting

3 Demonstrate ways to identify good research topic and search database for conductinggood literaturesearch

4. Explain research ethics in planning and conductingresearch

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 ensuringcompliancewithregulations

Differentwaystodevelopresearchquestions and how to fine tune them were discussed. An understanding of the research process andbasicstepstobetakenwhenconducting 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 physicianstoengageinresearch

FACILITATORS

DrAbdulJalilKhan, DrHinaJawaid, DrSankhaRandenikumara.

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)

WONCAWorkingPartyonWomenandFamily Medicinewasestablishedin2001 Asof2023, this working party has expanded to the variousWONCAregions Currently,5WONCA 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 fullpotentialandtomakechangeswithinthe society

VISION

To promote the role of women family doctors working in Wonca, to highlight their specialcontributionsandreducethebarriers facingthem,therebyenablingthemtoreach their full potential and enhance the contributions of family physicians/GPs around the world to clinical care, women’s health, education, research, and leadership infamilymedicine.

WONCA

WORKING PARTY

OBJECTIVES OF WP

To develop a regional team in all the WONCAregions.

To develop a communication platform withinWWPWFMandWonca

To have activities on women’s health in alltheregions

To develop mentorship programs and support women to become leaders withintheregionsandWONCA.

To develop teaching and research activitieswithintheregions

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

ON WOMEN AND FAMILY MEDICINE (SOUTH ASIA REGION)

SouthAsiaregion(SAR)joinedtheWWPWFM on 8th March 2023 (International Women’s Day).Aregionalteamwasdevelopedfrom28 members from the 6 member organizations of SAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan,SriLanka)

The regional team consists of the following members:

Lead:Dr.HinaJawaid(Pakistan)

Communication Lead: Dr. P. Asanka S.R. Pathiratne(SriLanka)

YoungDr Lead:Dr GunjanJha(India)

Countryleads:

Bangladesh:Dr.ParamitaKarim

Bhutan:Dr KinleyBhutti

India:VidhyaRaghavendran

Nepal:Dr RajaniGiri

Pakistan:Dr ZaraMuhammad

Sri Lanka: Dr Dilini Ilapperuma Baranage

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 encouragesharingideas.

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,includingyoungdoctorsinthe region, but also collaborated with other WPs/SIGs and institutions/organizations globally.Theyhaveshowcasedtheirworkin regional and international family medicine conferences, in the WONCA Global Newsletter,andhavereachedouttoawider audience Six to seven Family Physicians regularly contribute to print media on primarycareandhealth-relatedtopics

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 (eg, breast cancer awareness, WDD, SAR Heritage)

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 significantandthisiscommendable.

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 doctorswhosharedideasandgavevaluable inputs

In the recent WONCA World conference in October 2023 in Sydney, 24% of abstracts fromwomenwerefromSAR.Similarly,inthe regional conference in Colombo (3rd to 5th May2024),thisWPhadatotalof27accepted abstracts (15 as oral, 12 as poster, and 1 panel discussion) with 8 of these by the youngdoctor’sgroup

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.

ThepresenceofAnnaStavdal,ValWass,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 AfricaandEurope

TheteamoffemaleFPs/GPsarecurrentlyin the process of compiling a program (online) forWorldDoctorDayonthe19thofMay2024 in all five regions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Family Doctors fortheircommitmenttowardstheirpatients. Inthiseraofwarandcrimeagainstwomen,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 FamilyDoctor’sDay!

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

Chair:WWPWFM

Fire side wisdom: sharing our experience on women’shealth

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 PatientSafetyinChileonApril18,2024 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 safetyintoglobalhealthagendas

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'sprovisionsarebothcomprehensive 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 heightenedpatientsafetymeasures

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 tobeheardandtofairresolution.Eachright underscores the importance of creating a safe, respectful, and dignified healthcare environmentforeverypatient

KEY PATIENT SAFETY RIGHTS

Right to Timely and Appropriate Care: Patientsareentitledtoreceivecarethat is not only timely but also effective and specifically tailored to their health needs. This is crucial in preventing disease progression and clinical deterioration,whichareoftentheresults ofdelaysincare

RighttoSafeHealthCareProcesses:This right ensures that all healthcare processes and practices are safe, and that health workers adhere to established safety protocols to prevent andmanageriskseffectively.

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 medicalintegrityandempathy.

RighttoSafeMedicalProducts:Thisright guaranteesaccesstosafe,effective,and quality-assured medical products and technologies,essentialforqualityhealth care

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

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

Right to Privacy and Confidentiality: Patients have the right to expect that their personal and medical information will be protected, ensuring their privacy andconfidentialityatalltimes

Right to Information and Education: Ensuringthatpatientsarewell-informed about their health conditions and treatment options empowers them to participateactivelyintheirowncare Right to Access to Medical Records: Patients should be able to access their medical records freely and securely, which is fundamental for facilitating informeddecision-making.

RighttoPatientandFamilyEngagement: Thisrightemphasizestheroleofpatients and their families as active partners in the healthcare process, promoting a collaborative approach to health and safety

Chairman, WONCA Working Party in Quality & Safety J

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 healthcareenvironmentwherepatientinput and feedback are integral to the care process Moreaboutthiscanbefoundatthe WorkingPartyinQuality&Safety

The Charter aligns with this year's World HealthDaytheme,'MyHealth,MyRight.',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 healthcaredelivery.

In practical terms, family doctors can implementtheCharterbyensuringthattheir 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,thusdrivingsystemicchange

TheCharterisnotjustasetofguidelinesbut a call to action. It urges healthcare professionals, especially family doctors, to champion the rights of patients to safe and respectfulcare Byembracingandpromoting theserights,familydoctorscanplayacritical role in minimizing preventable harm and enhancingtheoverallpatientexperience.

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 healthcareenvironmentforall

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.Reportsofvariousactivitiesarealreadycominginandwill befeaturedinthenexteditionofWONCANews.

Theglobalengagementandpassionfromfamilydoctors everywherehavebeentrulyinspiring.Together,we'reshapingthe futureofhealthcareandchampioningplanetaryhealth.

www.worldfamilydoctorday.org

WATCH OUR VIDEO

AcollaborationbetweenWONCAWorkingPartyonPlanetaryHealth,theYoungDoctors’MovementandtheWONCASecretariat

Featuring: Dr YusufAl-Tahoo(Bahrain),Dr KinleyBhuti(Bhutan),Dr CherylChan(HongKong),Dr ChangPingsun(Taiwan),ProfKaren Flegg(Australia),Dr ÖzdenGökdemir(Turkey),Dr PaulaHenry(TrinidadandTobago),Dr StuartHolmes(UK),Dr Dilge Kocabaş(Turkey),Dr TerryKemple(UK),ProfMichaelKidd(Australia),Dr MairaAlejandraLeón(Colombia),Dr Aisha Mwatuwano(Kenya),Dr CatherinePendrey(Australia),Dr AndréeRochfort(Ireland),Dr MaramSmairat(Jordan),Dr Sonja Wicklum(Canada)

AspecialthankstoDrSankhaRandenikumaraandDrCherylChanfortheirhelpingatheringthevideos AllnaturefootageisfreelyavailabletouseatOpenPlanet.org.

Make a difference in global healthcare by supportingWONCAandFamilyDoctors!

AstheWorldOrganizationofFamilyDoctors, we represent over half a million family doctors around the globe. At WONCA, we firmly believe that access to quality healthcareisafundamentalhumanright.

Help us give family doctors a global voicedonatetoWONCAtoday!

1 We promote knowledge exchange among family doctors and primary healthcare professionals worldwide through our community groups, newsletters, and educationalanddisseminationactivities.

2 We support countries to build capacities and improve the quality of primary healthcare services through accreditation programs, partnerships with academic institutions,andexpertisematching

3.Weadvocateforstrongerfamilymedicine, primaryhealthcareandglobalhealthequity throughpartnershipsandpolicyinfluenceat the World Health Organization (WHO) WONCAistheirvoice!

Celebrate World Family Doctor Day by helping us on the critical mission of improvingthequalityoflifeofthepeopleof theworld

Join World Family Doctor Day 2023 and honourtheincredibleworkoffamilydoctors everywhere

8TH WONCA AFRICA REGION CONFERENCE

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

Afriwon Renaissance, under the aegis of WONCAAfricaandinconcertwiththeSpecial Interest Group for Emergency Medicine, is excited to invite young and future general practitioners/family physicians to a transformative one-day pre-conference focusedonEmergencyMedicine

Young doctors refer to those within 5 years after postgraduate training in general practiceofFamilyMedicine.

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),ECGinterpretation,and Mass Casualty Incident Management, led by experts in the field Join us for this dynamic sessiontosharpenyouremergencymedicine skills, network with peers, and gain invaluable insights from seasoned practitioners Together, we aim to improve urgent care delivery and patient outcomes acrosstheAfricaRegion.Thepre-conference will feature three intensive workshops designed to cover essential aspects of emergency medicine that are pivotal for youngfamilydoctors:

When: 5thJune2024 (9AM-3PM)

WORKSHOP SESSIONS Where: AgaKhanUniversity Hospital

1.PointofCareUltrasound(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 diagnosisofpatients

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 emergencyinterventions

3.MassCasualtyIncidentManagement:Thissession aims to prepare doctors for mass casualty incidents, focusing on triage, emergency response coordination, and effective management strategies to optimise patientoutcomesindisasterscenarios.

WORKSHOP SESSIONS

WONCA ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE 2024 SINGAPORE

DISCOVER THE EXCITING PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS OF WONCA APR CONFERENCE 2024!

DR. DANIELLE MARTIN RELATIONSHIPS AS TOOLS FOR CHANGE

DR CATHERINE PENDREY SUSTAINABLE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

IMPORTANT DATES

EarlyBirdRegistrationDeadline 30June2024

ConferenceDates

21-24August2024

PROFESSOR JANE GUNNA 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’

A/P LOW LIAN LENG

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

PROFESSOR ENRICO COIERA WORKING IN A WORLD WITH AI

PROFESSOR GERALD KOH

HEALTHIER SG: LESSONS SO FAR

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

FIND OUT MORE

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 October2024inJordan

This year’s conference has been designed to provide an innovative and comprehensive overviewofthelatestresearchdevelopments inFamilyMedicineandPrimaryHealthCare Overthecourseofthreedays,theconference will feature symposia, keynote sessions, parallel workshops and abstract presentations.

We hereby invite you all to share the results of your scientific research with us by submitting an abstract of your work, and by joiningusinsharingourvisionofWoncaEMR 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 unforgettableexperiences

IlookforwardtomeetingyouatWoncaEMR 2024!

IMPORTANT DATES

May1-AbstractSubmissionsOpen (Oral/Poster)

May1-EarlyBirdRegistrationOpens Jun3-ProgramTopicsAnnounced

Jun11-Speakers&FacultyAnnounced Jul1-AbstractsSubmissionsClose (Oral/Poster)

Jul10-AuthorNotifications(Oral/Poster) Jul17-DeadlineforAuthorstoComplete Registration Jul18-FinalProgramAnnounced Aug15-EarlyBirdRegistrationClose Sep7-CMEAnnounced Oct3-WONCAEMR2024goeslive!

https://www.woncaemr2024.com/

Thisyear'sthemeis"TowardsResilient SustainablePrimaryHealthCare."Expecta comprehensiveoverviewofthelatest advancementsinFamilyMedicineand PrimaryHealthCare,includingsymposia, keynotesessions,workshops,andthe presentationofresearchpapers.

Venue: Fairmont Amman

WONCA RURAL CONFERENCE

UBUNTU 2024

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

Ubuntu 2024 is a joint conference between The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH)andRuralWONCA(TheWorkingParty onRuralPractice)

It’s bringing together the TUFH 2024 Annual ConferenceforTUFH,whichiscelebratingit’s 45th anniversary in 2024, and the 20th WONCAWorldRuralHealthConference!

This conference is being co-hosted by 5 partnersinCapeTown,SouthAfrica: UniversityoftheWesternCape; UniversityofCapeTown; StellenboschUniversity; CapePeninsulaUniversityofTechnology, andtheDepartmentofHealthandWellness–WesternCapeGovernment

This joint conference has been named Ubuntu 2024; referring to the meaning of Ubuntu“Iam,becauseyouare”.

Ubuntu 2024 will be a fully hybrid conference

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 againstanactivemembership.Youwillneed toprovideyourID.

POST CONFERENCE TOUR

Anyone presenting at the conference has to be registered by June 30, 2024, to be includedintheprogramforUbuntu2024!

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.

EmbarkonabreathtakingFour-dayTourfromCapeTowntotheGardenRoute,exploringsomeofthemostpicturesqueregionsinSouthAfrica

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 naturalwondersandculturalheritageoftheregion,aswellashealthprofessionaltrainingintheseareas

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

Despitetheextendeddeadline,theScientific Committee provides you with a notification nolaterthan26May2024

More key note speakers have just been announcedincluding TomasZapata(Spain), Ana Luisa Neves (Portugal), Alexandre Gouveia (Portugal), Niels H Chavannes (Netherlands), Eva Kozub (France), Mercy NafulaWanjala(Kenya)

SEE ALL KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

25 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2024. DUBLIN, IRELAND.

PODCAST: DR. ANDRÉE ROCHFORT PREVIEWS THE WONCA EUROPE 2024 CONFERENCE

DrAndréeRochfortisaGPinWexford,Ireland andtheCo-ChairoftheScientificcommitteeof WONCA Europe Listen to her describe the exciting build up to the WONCA Europe Conference.

ThispodcastisproducedbyAileenO'Mearafor the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP)

SOUTH ASIA REGION CONFERENCE 2025

BENGALURU, INDIA.

WearethrilledtoannouncethattheWONCA

South Asia Region Conference 2025 will be heldinBengaluru,India!

HostedbytheAcademyofFamilyPhysicians of India, this conference will bring together leading family medicine practitioners and experts from across the region Stay tuned formoreinformation!

Dates:4-6April2025

Theme: "Rooted in tradition, growing with innovation Family Medicine for South Asian Well-being"

WATCH THE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

DISCOVEROUR

ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Thisreportisa comprehensiveoverviewof theWONCAglobal community'scollective achievementsandhighlights overthepastyear. Together,wecancontinueto buildastrongerglobal community!

Date:May24th,2024

Time:11:00to13:00CEST

Location:OnlineviaZoom

WICC Chair

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 forparticipantsfromMexicoandPeru

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 curriculumisspecificallydesignedtoimprove yourknowledgeandskillsinmanagingMajor DepressiveDisorders.

WeinviteyoutoparticipateintheMDDMinds 101 course, where you will not only advance your professional development but also makeapositiveimpactonthelivesofmany, emphasizing the vital role you play in our healthcaresystem.

Join us and become a part of this transformativeexperience TheMDDMindsteam.

ANUNCIO DEL LANZAMIENTO DE LA VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL DE MDD MINDS 101

Noscomplaceanunciarqueelcursoenlínea autodidacta MDD Minds 101 ya está disponible en español, con inscripciones abiertasparaparticipantesdeMéxicoyPerú.

Este curso, desarrollado por el Grupo de Trabajo en Salud Mental de WONCA, es el producto de un esfuerzo colaborativo de expertosde12paísesdiferentes,incluidosel Dr JoséJavierMendozaVelásquezdeMéxico 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 quedesempeñaennuestrosistemadesalud

Únase a nosotros y sea parte de esta experienciatransformadora.

Atentamente

ElequipodeMDDMinds

PARA REGISTRARSE, POR FAVOR VISITE

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

LIVING A LIFE OF ADVOCACY – 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,at11:00a.m.UTC.

Viviana Martinez Bianchi MD, one of WONCA’s most influential leaders and President-Elect, will be the keynotespeaker

EVENT DETAILS

Title: Living a Life of Advocacy – An Opportunity to LearnfromOurPresident-Elect

Date:May31,2024

Time:11:00am UTC(7:00am EDT,12:00pm BST)

RegistrationLink:RegisterHere

Panellists:

DrMarianoGrenero,Argentina,WONCAIberoamerica

DrMarinaGuisado,Spain,WONCAEurope

DrHinaJawaid,Pakistan,WONCASouthAsia

Hosted by: Prof Amanda Howe and Dr Sankha Randenikumara, Co-chairs, WONCA Special Interest GroupofPolicyAdvocacy

A MESSAGE FROM SIGPA CO CHAIR PROF AMANDA HOWE

REGISTER HERE

“Dr Viviana Martinez Bianchi is one of our most influential WONCAleaders.Vivihaslong-standingexpertiseinadvocacy and has used this in her clinical work with underserved communitiestostriveforpoliciesthatimprovehealthequity She has also been passionate about sharing the skills of advocacy with family doctors and their teams, in order that wecansecureandimproveourstatusinallhealthsystems Shewillbethekeynotespeakerinournextwebinar,toshare her views on how we can work together for better policy advocacy. You, and our panel of regional leads, will be abletoaskherquestions-todrawonherexperience;to learn;andtobeinspired!"

THE EYFDM PODCAST

THE EUROPEAN YOUNG FAMILY DOCTOR'S MOVEMENT (EYFDM) HAS STARTED A PODCAST

“Ineachepisodeweinviteinterestingguests 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 listenedyet,thisisyourchancetogetalifechanging insight into Family Medicine traininginEuropeandbeyond!”

Episode1:DrStuartHolmes:currentEYFDM President

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

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

Episode 4: Dr Anneliese Willems: How to combineaprimarycarecareerandacademia atMelbourneUniversity.

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: 9-13September2024

Location: ResidenciadeEstudiantes RamónPignatelli 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 CommunicationinHealthcare(ACH)

ICCH 2024 will bring together a global community of healthcare researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers The conference offers a unique platform for theinternationalandinteractiveexchangeof 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 engagingsessions.

Forthoseunabletoattendinperson,onlineonlyticketswillbeavailable Thisconference represents an excellent opportunity to connect with the global healthcare communication community and to share advancementsinthiscriticalfield

Further details and registration information canbefoundontheICCH2024website

ICHH WEBSITE