With just 8 days left to submit abstracts for the WONCA World Conference in Lisbon, this is the time to share your insights, research, and innovations with colleagues from across the globe.
Our latest WONCA News brings you more than deadlines. It’s full of opportunities for young doctors and the wider WONCA community to connect, grow, and support one another. From the newly launched Global Mentorship Programme to bursaries helping young doctors attend Lisbon, this issue highlights how our members are investing in the future of family medicine.
We also invite you to join two important webinars happening this week
Family Medicine Research Networks (Wednesday, 23 April – tomorrow) regional insights from leading academics
Enhancing Quality and Safety (Sunday, 27 April) hosted by AfriWON and the Working Party on Quality and Safety
As always, there’s much more further down, from planetary health action and regional conferences to music, mentorship, and mental health.
WONCA NEWS
FROM THE PRESIDENT: A/Prof Karen Flegg reflects on her recent visit to the WONCA South Asia Region Conference in Bengaluru. She was honoured to be welcomed with warmth and tradition, and to witness the vibrancy of South Asian family medicine. Highlights included a tribute to Dr P.C. Bhatla – a founding member of WONCA, the Global Rural Summit, and the Spice Route Young Doctors’ workshop. She was proud to receive the first-ever Fellowship of AFPI alongside fellow WONCA leaders. Read her full column here.
WORLD EARTH DAY: Today, on World Earth Day, WONCA proudly celebrates the launch of the South Asia Regional Working Party on Planetary Health, officially recognised during the recent WONCA South Asia Region Conference in Bengaluru. This new initiative, endorsed by the WONCA South Asia Executive Board and supported by WONCA President A/Prof Karen Flegg, reflects the urgent need for climate-focused health action in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. The working party, led by Dr Jyotika Gupta (India), will focus on promoting environmental sustainability and planetary health within primary care across South Asia. Join the Working Party on Planetary Health.
Sustainable Events: At the same conference, delegates saw these values put into action. With guidance from WP on Planetary Health Chair-elect, Dr Sankha Randenikumara (Sri Lanka) and enthusiastic support from organisers, the event became the first South Asia regional conference to align with WONCA’s Equitable and Sustainable Events Policy. From reducing food waste and carbon-conscious travel planning to more sustainable conference materials, the team worked to lower the event’s environmental impact. While challenges remain, the experience was both practical and inspiring, offering a model for future eco-conscious family medicine events.
YOUNG DOCTORS’ BURSARY: We’re happy to announce two additional €2500 bursaries for young doctors outside Europe to attend the WONCA World Conference 2025 in Lisbon! These merit-based awards will support travel and registration costs, helping early-career doctors engage globally and contribute to the future of family medicine. Applicants must be in training or within five years post-qualification, and active in their regional Young Doctor Movement with a letter of support from their YDM lead.
Apply: To apply, visit the WONCA membership portal. All previous applicants to the Donald Li YDM Scholarship will be automatically considered. There is no need to reapply. Deadline: 30 April 2025
YDM GLOBAL MENTORSHIP: The Young Doctors’ Movements have launched a new mentorship project connecting young doctors from AfriWON, Waynakay, and Spice Route with experienced family physicians worldwide. The goal? Support, connection, and growth in family medicine. Mentors and mentees meet virtually every two months for two years, with flexible scheduling and shared learning at the heart of the programme. Whether you’re early in your journey or ready to give back, now’s the time to get involved.
RISING STAR AWARD: Nominations are now open for the WONCA Rising Star Award, recognising young doctors who show excellence in clinical care, leadership, teamwork, and community engagement. Regional winners may be considered for the global award, presented at the WONCA World Conference. Deadline: 30 May 2025. Submit via your YDM regional lead.
SUPPORT THE ATAI OMORUTO FUND: Dr Elizabeth Reji, Chair of WONCA’s Working Party on Women and Family Medicine (WWPWFM), is urging support for the Atai Omoruto Scholarship Fund. Named after the late Ugandan leader in family medicine, the fund supports young African female family doctors to attend global conferences and grow as leaders. This year, 26 promising applicants have applied, but no funds are currently available to award even one scholarship. Read Dr. Reji’s appeal here.
A direct appeal from WWPWFM Chair: Recent cuts to international aid, including from USAID, are hitting Africa and other low-income regions the hardest. In these uncertain times, those of us who can afford to must step up. This fund helps doctors who often work with little or no pay in the poorest parts of the world. Supporting them means investing in better care, stronger leadership, and a more equal future for family medicine. Our global community must come together.
ABSTRACT DEADLINE: There’s just over a week left to submit your abstract for the WONCA World Conference 2025 and the Young Doctors’ Preconference. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your research or practice insights with the global family medicine community. Deadline: 30 April 2025.
Registration for Lisbon is open: The Big One. The largest gathering of family doctors, in the world, where colleagues from across our seven regions come together and shape the future of family medicine. This is your opportunity to exchange innovative ideas, present your research on the global stage, expand your professional network, and become part of a thriving global family. Early-bird discounts are still available and remember, WONCA Direct Members receive a discount on registration, saving up to €200 compared to non-members.
WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY
WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY: Less than one month to go until 19 May 2025, where we celebrate the essential role that family doctors play in healthcare systems around the world, this year with a particular focus on Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World. Visit the Trello board to explore our social media toolkit, and stay tuned for our webinar series announcement coming later this week.
Music and Mental Health Project – voices needed: Thank you to our African colleagues who answered the call to participate in our WONCA sing-along project. We’re still looking for colleagues in the East Mediterranean Region, South Asia Region, and Asia Pacific Region to step up and lend their voices. Get in touch if you’d like to take part. You can watch this video for inspiration, recorded during the pandemic era.
FAMILY MEDICINE RESEARCH NETWORKS: Join WONCA’s Working Party on Research as three experienced academics share regional perspectives on research networks in primary care. Hosted by Prof Mehmet Akman, speakers include Professor Joyce Kenkre (UK), a leader in EURIPA and the WONCA Europe Special Interest Group on Social Prescribing and Community Orientation; Professor Bob Mash (South Africa), Professor at Stellenbosch University, Editor-in-Chief of the African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine, and founder of the PRIMAFAMED network; and Dr Tijani Oseni (Nigeria), Senior Lecturer at Edo University and Research Secretary of the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria. The webinar is open to all family doctors and researchers, and will include time for discussion and questions.
Date: Wednesday, 23 April 2025 (TOMORROW). Time: 11:00 – 12:00 UTC. Join here.
ENHANCING QUALITY AND SAFETY: Join the AfriWon Young Doctors Movement and the WONCA Working Party on Quality and Patient Safety for a webinar on Sunday, 27 April 2025, 13:00–14:30 UTC, exploring innovative approaches to improving healthcare quality and safety in primary care. Speakers include Dr Andrée Rochfort (Ireland), President of EQUIP – the WONCA Europe network for quality and safety, Dr Inés Sebastian (Spain), Dr Enwogo Ettang (South Africa), and Dr Armand Tiam (Cameroon).
Date: Sunday, 27 April 2025. Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM UTC. Register here.
WEBINAR RECORDING: A comprehensive and enlightening session led by Dr Elena Klusova, sharing firsthand experiences from Ibiza on chemsex, chemical submission, and clinical care, featuring insights from emergency medicine, primary care, and psychosexual therapy.
WEBINAR RECORDING: Dr Rosie Benneyworth of the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (UK) explores how human factors science can support safer, more effective primary care. Part of WONCA’s Human Factors webinar series.
WONCA REGIONAL CONFERENCES
NEXT STOP: Busan, South Korea, where the Asia Pacific Region comes together for WONCA APR 2025, 24–27 April. Hosted at the BPEX centre, this four-day event promises a vibrant mix of science, connection, and culture.
Highlights: Dive into AI and human connection with Kakao Healthcare’s Hee Hwang, and explore the future of primary care in Korea with Prof. Belong Cho. The programme also features industry-sponsored symposia by global partners, with expert talks on vaccines, chronic disease, AI, and more.
Young Doctors’ Pre-Conference: On 23 April, young family doctors will gather for a packed day of sharing ideas, local health insights, and strolling through Busan’s old town. From the steep 168 stairs to a Korean set dinner in Nampo-dong, it’s the perfect mix of reflection, connection, and local flavour.
WONCA EAST MEDITERRANEAN REGION CONFERENCE 2025: Next month, the 9th WONCA East Mediterranean Region Conference lands in Tangier, Morocco, from 8–11 May 2025, alongside the 15th National Congress of General Medicine. Expect expert-led sessions on AI in healthcare, hands-on clinical training, and accredited learning opportunities. Hosted at the Hilton Houara Hotel, the congress focuses on innovation, digital transformation, and public health in family medicine.Registration is still open. Don’t miss out!
IBERO-AMERICA – CIMF: The X Sub-Regional Congress of the Southern Cone and XII Uruguayan Congress will take place in Montevideo, Uruguay on 23–24 May 2025. This open event invites family doctors, health teams, and students to come together to share innovations, strengthen primary care, and collaborate across borders. Learn more and register.
Ibero-American Summit: Held just before the congress, the IX Ibero-American Summit on Family Medicine (21–22 May 2025) is a space for regional policy dialogue. By invitation only, it brings together health authorities, academic leaders, and institutions to shape the direction of family medicine in Ibero-America.
LOOKING AHEAD TO BOTSWANA: The 9th WONCA Africa Region Conference will take place in Gaborone, Botswana on 10–11 September 2026, under the theme We Are One: Africa united to advance planetary health through collaboration and resource alignment in primary health care. Hosted by the Botswana Association of Family Physicians, the event will feature pre-conference workshops, clinic visits, and a PRIMAFAMED gathering in the days leading up to the main programme. With strong support from the University of Botswana’s Faculty of Medicine and the Ministry of Health, the conference promises to spotlight the country’s commitment to revitalising primary health care.
Reflecting on Nairobi 2024: A full conference report is now available from the 8th WONCA Africa Region Conference, held in Nairobi in June 2024. The event brought together over 200 participants to explore innovation and resilience in African primary health care. Read the report.
OPPORTUNITIES: Great ways to get involved, take on new roles, advance in family medicine.
Working Party on e-Health Community Manager: The WONCA Working Party on eHealth is inviting applications for the voluntary role of Community Manager. This position supports global digital health efforts by strengthening our online network and helping coordinate webinars and content. If you’re passionate about connecting people and sharing knowledge, we encourage you to apply. Full details and how to apply. Deadline: 27 April 2025.
Call for Rural Seeds Ambassadors: Are you a young health professional or student passionate about rural health? Apply to become a Rural Seeds Ambassador and represent your region in a global movement. Help lead projects, support peers, and advocate for rural communities worldwide. Seven regional positions are available. Applications close 23 April 2025. Apply here.
Young Doctor Liaison – Policy Advocacy: The WONCA Special Interest Group on Policy Advocacy (SIGPA) is looking for a Young Doctor Liaison (2025–2027). This role connects the SIG and YDM, promoting advocacy and engagement. Open to active young doctors with policy experience. Submit your CV and motivation letter to your Regional YDM chair by 30 April 2025.
Professor/Associate Professor of Primary Care and Future Health Systems: WONCA Past President Prof Michael Kidd has shared an exciting opportunity for someone in our global community. A new position has been created at the International Centre for Future Health Systems, based at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. If you are a senior primary care researcher looking for a new challenge, or know someone in our WONCA network who might be interested, we encourage you to explore and share this opportunity.
All the best,
Diarmuid Hayes
Senior Communications Officer [email protected]
