September is set to be a busy month for WONCA, with colleagues gathering at events in South Africa, Ireland and the United States. Looking ahead to October, registration is still open for the 8th WONCA East Mediterranean Region Conference in Amman, Jordan and the Iberoamericano-CIMF Family Medicine Congress at the crossroads of the Americas in Panama City. Keep reading for more information!
ASIA PACIFIC: WONCA President A/Prof Karen Flegg recaps the Asia Pacific Region Conference in Singapore. From a deep dive into the “art and science of medicine” to Dr. Catherine Pendrey’s stirring keynote on planetary health, there’s plenty to chew on. Young doctors brought the energy, while the APR Awards celebrated our 5 Star Doctors.
NEW ZEALAND: Our president also joined the The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners’ 50th-anniversary bash. Here she met Dr. Tipene Wairepo, wearing a traditional Māori korowai as he received his fellowship. Dr. Wairepo spoke passionately about the concept of Mana— the power and responsibility passed down from ancestors—that drives his deep commitment to serving his community. Read the President’s column here.
MONTEGUT SCHOLAR’S INSIGHT: Another personal perspective on the Asia Pacific Region conference comes from Filipino doctor Jacqueline B. Javier-Catubig, whose attendance at Singapore was made possible by the American Board of Family Medicine Foundation’s Montegut Global Scholarship. From exploring Singapore’s innovative healthcare system to engaging in cutting-edge research workshops, Jacqueline’s reflections highlight the value of global learning for young doctors. Click through to read her full story and be inspired by her journey!
HAPPENING TODAY: Don’t miss this crucial event organized by the WONCA Special Interest Group on Policy Advocacy. Join us to explore why policy advocacy is essential for family doctors. You’ll hear directly from leading experts across Latin America as they share their insights and experiences. The webinar will be conducted in Spanish, with live English interpretation available. Register for the webinar here to receive the Zoom link via email. (Buenos Aires: 8:00 PM, Bogotá: 6:00 PM, Lima: 6:00 PM, Mexico City: 5:00 PM).
FEATURED DOCTOR: Meet Prof Gulnaz Mohamoud, this week’s featured doctor, whose journey has taken her from Pakistan to Kenya, where she became the first female Family Physician in East Africa.
Today she is shaping the future of primary care and medical education across the region and was awarded WONCA Africa Five Star Doctor 2023. This interview is packed with insights from a trailblazing and pioneering career. Known as “Mama Gulnaz,” she continues to inspire and mentor younger generations of family physicians with her unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence. Read here.
Video interview with Prof Gulnaz Mohamoud recorded at WONCA Africa Conference.
FAMILY MEDICINE IN INDIA: Dr. Roshni Jhan Ganguly, Organizing Secretary of the WONCA South Asia Conference 2025, highlights the critical role of Family Medicine in addressing India’s health challenges and reports on new government initiatives supporting family medicine training. As India grapples with rising non-communicable diseases, mental health issues, and an aging population, Dr Roshni emphasizes that the 2025 conference in Bengaluru will be an important opportunity for healthcare leaders to exchange ideas, showcase innovative models, and push for stronger integration of Family Medicine into national healthcare policies. Read her insightful article.
EMR President Abdulaziz Al Mahrezi extends an invitation to visit Amman, Jordan,
BE PART OF THE CHANGE: Registration and abstract submissions are now open for the WONCA South Asia Region Conference 2025, taking place from April 4th to 6th, 2025 at the Sheraton Grand, Bengaluru, India.
With the theme Rooted in Tradition, Growing with Innovation – Family Medicine for South Asian Well Being, the conference invites submissions for Research Papers and Posters, Case Reports and Case Series, Symposiums, and Workshops.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of Family Medicine in South Asia. This prestigious regional conference invites you to submit on their website today.
SUPPORT WONCA: Your support can make a lasting impact on global health. By donating to WONCA, you help empower family doctors worldwide to provide better care in their communities, especially in underserved regions. Together, we can strengthen primary healthcare systems and improve access to essential services for millions. Every contribution counts in building a healthier future for all.
UBUNTU 2024 – WONCA Rural Conference: Cape Town, South Africa. September 10-13, 2024. Ubuntu 2024, in collaboration with The Network TUFH. See you all next week!
WONCA North America Convening Meeting: Phoenix, Arizona. 22 September 2024.
North America Region’s inaugural one-day event. See the schedule.
WONCA Europe Conference: Dublin, Ireland. September 25 – 28, 2024. Registration closes tomorrow!
WONCA East Mediterranean Region Conference: Amman, Jordan. 3 – 5 October 2024.
Explore Jordan’s unique blend of history and modernity. The perfect place for learning and exploration. Register today.
WONCA Iberoamericano – CIMF Conference: Panama City, Panama. October 23 – 26, 2024.
Aprovecha un descuento para la Conferencia Iberoamericana de WONCA reservando antes del 30 de septiembre. Más información aquí. Sigue a CIMF en Facebook para ofertas exclusivas en vuelos y alojamiento.
