Download the latest Newsletter
Spring 2019
Match Day 2019
A Welcome to new physicians from the President of WONCA North America -
It is said that Family Physicians provide care across the life cycle from embryo through to old age and until death. The Family Physician is the vanguard of the public health system in any country. The World Health Organization states that “We are convinced that strengthening primary health care (PHC) is the most inclusive, effective and efficient approach to enhance people’s physical and mental health, as well as social well-being, and that PHC is a cornerstone of a sustainable health system for universal health coverage (UHC) and health-related Sustainable Development Goals”, (WHO ASTANA Declaration 2018), a position long advocated by WONCA. In fact, there is international consensus that this goal can only be achieved by investments and strengthen of Family Medicine training and deployment.
It is within this context, that I extend a hearty welcome to those of you who have started the journey to become Family Physicians as well as those who are almost at the end and about to sit residency exams. Although at different points of the training spectrum, your choice indicates your commitment to quality health care not only for your individual client, but the family unit and community as whole. For this commitment, I salute you and wish for you a successful onward journey.
In closing, it would be remiss of me not to encourage you find time to network and share of your time and skills with like-minded physicians. This you can do by becoming involved with POLARIS, the young doctor’s movement of the North American Region of WONCA. Through your participation, you will be exposed to greater diversity of experiences at the individual, community and International level. In fact it is a great way to become involved in Global Health.
With best wishes
Marvin Reid
President, North American Region (WONCA)
WINTER 2018
WONCA World 2018
Seoul, South Korea:
The conference began with the Young Doctors Movement (YDM) Pre-Conference, which provided an opportunity to meet other young doctors from around the world and learn about the activities of other YDMs. After the sessions, many of the YDM group members ventured to the Gyeongbokgung Palace for beautiful views of the mountains around Seoul and a wonderful introduction to Joseon architecture. The night continued with Korean barbeque, drinks, and conversation to top off an excellent prequel to the conference and build friendships. Thursday morning, the conference proper began with a drum performance and the reading of the Seoul Declaration.
The conference continued with many wonderful sessions on Health Equity, primary care evaluation, aging, emergency medicine, and women’s health. There were several excellent poster sessions, one of which featured an FM360 evaluation presentation which will be traveling to several other conferences this year. The conference was an amazing opportunity to network with other family docs and trainees from around the world and learn about the diversity of health systems in which our colleagues practice. We hope to see you there next time!
