Building Bridges in Lisbon
A Donald Li Scholar's Report
By Dr. Michael Angelo J. Arteza,
Donald Li Scholarship Recipient 2025,
Chair, The Rajakumar Movement,
I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Donald Li Global Scholarship for the opportunity to attend the WONCA 2025 World Conference in Lisbon, Portugal. The conference, themed “New Vision for Primary Health Care and Sustainable Development,” was a remarkable forum for building new connections and strengthening the global-local bridge in family medicine. This event renewed my purpose and provided actionable insights for my practice.
Pre-Conference and Young Doctors' Movement
My experience began with the Young Doctors’ Pre-conference, organized by the European Young Family Doctors’ Movement (EYFDM). This was an immediate immersion in building bridges between young doctors from different regions, offering a fresh perspective on balancing formal learning with participatory activities. The keynotes on advocacy, mentorship, and planetary health set a collaborative tone for the week.
Photo: Meeting the YDM Leads
The Young Doctors' Movement (YDM) social event at the Jardim Botânico da Ajuda further solidified this foundation. While the EYFDM-led planting of the YDM Tree was a powerful symbol, the personal connections made with peers from around the world were the true bridges built, establishing a global network of colleagues committed to the future of family medicine.
Key Sessions and Conference Takeaways
I was honored to be invited to the first WONCA Collaboration Hub, which was a highlight of my conference. Our group focused on developing indicators for high-value, high-need care. This session was a practical exercise in bridging the gap between abstract policy and patient-centered reality. Our concluding skit, depicting a chronic disease patient’s journey, effectively translated our complex discussion into a tangible, human story.
Photo: Group Discussion during the First WONCA Collaboration Hub
Throughout the main conference, my focus was on sessions concerning health equity. As a family doctor from a developing nation, this theme is central to my daily work. The discussions provided practical models for how social determinants, systems design, and community engagement can bridge the gap between health systems and the voices that are often unheard.
Impact on Practice and Future Direction
The discussions on health equity were not theoretical; they provided a new lens and a stronger resolve for my work in the Philippines. I return to my practice with a clear understanding that all actions, no matter how small, contribute to a more compassionate health system.
Receiving the Donald Li Scholarship was a profound honor. The awarding ceremony was a reminder that this was an investment not just in me, but in a shared vision for a healthier, more equitable future. The journey from Lisbon is over, but the work of maintaining and strengthening the bridges it helped me build has just begun. I am eager to apply these global insights to my local community and share this knowledge with my colleagues.
Photo: Award Ceremony. Receiving the Donald Li Scholarship along with Dr. Beesan Maraqa and Dr Kwame Ayisi-Boateng, representing Dr. Stephen Engmann.
Photo: Delegates from the Philippines. See you in Iloilo, Philippines for WONCA APR 2026!
About the Donald Li YDM Global Scholarship
The Donald Li YDM Global Scholarship supports young family doctors from low- and middle-income countries to attend the WONCA World Conference. Each year, three selected applicants receive a USD $2500 bursary to help cover travel, registration, visa, and accommodation costs.
The scholarship aims to expand opportunities for emerging leaders in family medicine, encouraging participation in global dialogue and strengthening the future primary care workforce. Recipients are active members of the Young Doctors’ Movements and contribute to developing family medicine in their regions.
WONCA is very grateful to its past president, Dr Donald Li, for his generous support of this scholarship.
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Read about the 2025 winners here.