World Family Doctor Day 2025: A Global Celebration of Family Medicine
World Family Doctor Day 2025 Report Introduction
World Family Doctor Day 2025: A Global Celebration of Family Medicine
On 19 May 2025, family doctors around the world came together once again to celebrate World Family Doctor Day, this year under the theme “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World.” The campaign brought forward the unique role family doctors play in responding to mental health challenges—supporting both patients and communities through continuity of care, early intervention, and compassion.
We asked our Member Organizations to submit their activities to WONCA, in order to get a sense of the diverse and meaningful ways the day was celebrated, and to inspire each other going forward. In Jordan, physicians gathered for a symposium on mental health in primary care. In Bangladesh, a rally and public meeting drew attention to the importance of family doctors. In Botswana, family doctors and community members climbed Kgale Hill together in a powerful symbol of resilience. In Hong Kong, a high-level symposium featured speakers from the WHO and academic leaders. From press conferences in Slovenia and a remarkable series of events across the Caribbean, family doctors used the day to educate, advocate, and connect with their communities.
We thank all Member Organizations who submitted their reports. Your creativity and commitment continue to energize and inspire our global family. We also received valuable feedback and thoughtful suggestions for future themes, which will help shape our plans for 2026. We look forward to announcing next year’s theme well in advance of next year's celebration.
WONCA also marked the day with a wide-ranging campaign that included new multimedia content and a global conversation on mental health. Professors Christos Lionis and Christopher Dowrick published a feature article on the critical role of primary care in promoting mental wellness. We launched a collaborative video message featuring voices from every region, and released a joyful international performance of “Three Little Birds” as part of our Music and Mental Health Project. WONCA President A/Prof Karen Flegg also offered a personal video message.
As part of the WONCA World Family Doctor Day Webinar Series, we hosted five sessions that explored key issues in mental health and primary care. These included webinars on self-care for family doctors, collaborative care with patients, core concepts of mental resilience, cultural approaches to mental health, and depression management in primary health care.
In addition, WONCA’s MDD Minds initiative continues to offer free, self-paced training on the diagnosis and management of major depressive disorder in primary care. The course is available in four languages - English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese - and includes modules on clinical strategies, shared decision-making, and self-care for clinicians.
We now invite you to take a tour around the world of family medicine, exploring the voices, actions, and celebrations that made World Family Doctor Day 2025 a true reflection of our global strength and solidarity.
Academy Of Family Physicians Of India (AFPI) - Telangana Chapter
AFPI Telangana, in collaboration with the Chandra Rajeshwari Rao Foundation, successfully hosted a dynamic Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event titled “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World.” The event brought together over 45 participants, including family physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, medical students and community health professionals, all committed to integrating mental health into primary care across India. The session opened by Dr. K.Rajini, Medical Director, Chandra Rajeswara Rao Foundation for Social Progress, Kondapur, Hyderabad. Theme was introduced by Dr. Girija (PGDFM, CMC Vellore), Vice President of AFPI Telangana Chapter and Organising Chairperson for this event, introduced the theme and gracefully anchored the session, sharing valuable insights on the critical role of mental wellness in healthcare practice.
Speakers and their Topics:
Dr. Praveen Kumar Chintapanti (MBBS, DPM(NIMHANS), MRCPsych) Topic: ‘Mental Resilience A Critical Component Of Overall Well-being ‘
Dr. Tanmayee (MD Psychiatry) Topic: ‘Mental Resilience And Building Skills To Endure Hardship And Overcome Adversity’
Ms. Suchitra Neelam (M.Sc Psychology, Healing Together) Topic:‘Healing Together - Role Of Families In Mental Health And Suicide Prevention’
Dr. M. Sunil (DNB Family Medicine, Chair AFPI Rural, Secretary AFPI Telangana) Topic: ‘AFPI Rural: The key to tackling Rural India's Mental health Crisis’
Dr. Sai Ram(Scientist-E (Medical), ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition) Topic: ‘Eat right, Keep fit for good Mental Health’
Dr. Minhaj Nasiarabadi, IMA Convenor Hyderabad (MD Psychiatry, DPM, FIMA, FIPS) Topic:’Stress, Mental Health and aging’
Dr. Shaw Wallace concluded by stressing that mental resilience is a lifelong journey, shaped significantly by early intervention, stable environments, and mindful parenting.
Dr. Nalini, PGDMCH, FCFM Topic: ‘Geriatric Nutrition and Health Maintenance’
Editorial note by Dr Saritha Nimma (MBBS,MRCGP(UK))
Submitted by DR.V.SREENIVAS
Website: https://afpinational.org
Associação Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar (APMGF) - Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine
APMGF created and distributed to Portuguese family doctors a small booklet that gathered texts focused on works that were previously analyzed by the APMGF Reading Club. Each text suggests a literary work and reveals the reasons that inspired its choice by the Club participants, demonstrating the power of discovery, reflection and learning that is associated with great works of literature. By reading, one embarks on a journey of self-knowledge but also develops the capacity for interpretation, expression, critical thinking and empathy, attitudes and skills that promote mental resilience. On a local level, several actions were also undertaken. As an example, we can enphasize the activity developed by colleagues from the Viana do Castelo region, who celebrated World Family Doctor Day 2025 by organising talks on the topic of anxiety for young people from secondary schools in the municipality of Ponte de Lima. These talks, presented by members of APMGF's Viana do Castelo Delegation, aimed to improve the knowledge of young people, who will soon face significant changes in their lives, such as entering higher education or entering the job market, about anxiety as an adaptive or pathological process, addressing some strategies for managing anxiety.
Submitted by Tiago Reis - Communication & Image
Website: www.apmgf.pt
Association of Family Physicians of Zambia
Under a vibrant banner reading “World Family Doctor Day 2025,” the Association of Family Physicians of Zambia and Seed Global Health Zambia led a community march through Lusaka. Family doctors, residents, University of Zambia faculty, healthcare workers and Seed Global Health staff walked together to champion mental resilience and primary care.
Speeches were delivered by Dr Mpundu Makasa—the first graduate of Zambia’s family medicine programme and now a leading trainer of new family medicine students. The procession was accompanied by a police marching band, adding festive energy to the celebration.
Submitted by Association of Family Physicians of Zambia
Bangladesh Academy Of Family Physicians & Bangladesh College Of General Practitioners
The Bangladesh Academy of Family Physicians [BAFP] and the Bangladesh College of General Practitioners observed World Family Doctor Day [WFDD] on 23 May 2025, Friday & weekly holiday in the Capital City of Dhaka.A rally was organized at Dhaka just in front of the head office of the BAFP.
After the Rally a sumptuous breakfast was served to the participants. A discussion meeting was held at BSU Auditorium, Eastern Plaza, Dhaka. The Academy President Prof. Md. Abdul Quayum presided over while the Secretary General Dr. Md. Abdur Rashid conducted the meeting.
Prof. Firoz Ahmed, Prof. Kanu Bala, Prof. N. Abdal and Prof. Zakiur Rahman discussed about the significance of the day. At the Continuing Professional Development [CPD] Program, Dr. Abul Basher Mohammed Iqbal presented a lecture on “What trizepatide can do for obesity management”. Prof. Md. Abdul Quayum chaired the session.
The program was well organized and well participated.
Submitted by Prof. Kanu Bala WONCA South Asia President 2016-18
Botswana Association of Family Physicians
The Botswana Association of Family Physicians arranged the Kgale Hill Hike to commemorate Word Family Dr Day and encouraged Drs, their families and the community to join an early morning hike up the rocky hill in the southern part of the city. The climb takes about one hour and involves some tricky rocky terrain that unfortunately made the walk not suitable for everyone. Those attending overcame physical and mental challenges to reach the top of Kgale Hill on a beautiful cool and sunny morning. For some of us, the mental challenges may have included lack of belief that we may be able to make it to the top, worry about our physical health and fitness or even the willingness to get out of bed early on a non-working day and choose to spending time with colleagues rather than family. At the top, we celebrated our achievements and were rewarded with a great view of Gaborone including the full dam from our recent rains. Connecting with our natural surroundings and undertaking physical activity are a great boost to our physical and mental health so we have pledged as an Association to organize more regular activities throughout the year. This will improve our social connections with each other and enhance our mental resilience.
Submitted by Dr Claire Brockbank
The Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP)
WFDD 2025 was celebrated across the Caribbean with diverse, impactful activities centered on the theme of building mental resilience. Each country implemented unique initiatives, led by committed family physicians and supported by the Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP).
In Antigua and Barbuda, Dr. J. Humphreys contributed a reflective publication titled A Family Physician’s Perspective.
The Bahamas organized a full week of events, including media interviews, an award ceremony, a church service, a gala night, a family games evening, a wellness retreat, a meditation and spiritual session, and a national webinar hosted by CCFP Bahamas.
Barbados participated with a publication from Dr. C.V. Alert, adding to the academic contributions of WFDD.
Guyana, led by CCFP Guyana, hosted community outreach programs and media appearances to engage the public and highlight the value of family medicine.
Jamaica chapter (in cooperation with The AGPJ and Postgraduate Students of the Family Medicine Programme UWI Mona campus) held a virtual conference on mental health resilience in aging populations with 228 participants. They also published an e-magazine, a wellness retreat, and a community project to restore a home for children with disabilities—underscoring the compassionate role of family doctors.
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Kimlyn Scott-Williams published a piece showcasing local perspectives on family medicine.
Tobago hosted a WFDD conference themed Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World, organized by Dr. Fidelis Okali. The event addressed mental health and burnout among healthcare workers, aligning with WONCA’s global focus.
Trinidad featured two publications by Dr. Shastri Motilal and Dr. Jamila Augustine. There was also social media campaign promoting mental resilience within patient communities and the medical fraternity.
Collectively, these initiatives demonstrated a regional commitment to improving healthcare, advancing mental well-being, and honouring the vital role of family doctors across the Caribbean.
Message from Marvin Reid, President, Caribbean College of Family Physicians
Submitted by Dr Paula Henry
Website: www.caribgp.org
Caribbean College of Family Physicians — Jamaica Chapter
The World Family Doctor Day Committee is an entity comprised of The Caribbean College of Family Physicians Jamaica Chapter, The AGPJ and Postgraduate Students of the Family Medicine Programme UWI Mona campus. WFDD is being celebrated on May 19, 2025.
In Jamaica the WFDD celebration centers around three main events.
i. A virtual conference
2. E-magazine and
3. Wellness Retreat and every year we have a public outreach usually to help the less fortunate in the society.
This year we chose CBRJ, an institution that helps disabled children. And which was on the verge of closure by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) due to the fact that kitchen and bathroom facilities were in a state of disrepair. The Committee helped with some funds to assist in the repairs and was thus able to avert the closure of the institution.
The main objective of this article is to spotlight this year’s virtual Conference. World Family Doctor Day 2025 – Jamaica Highlights the Role of Family Doctors in the Ageing Population and Mental Health Resilience. The conference was CME accredited Event held virtually - Kingston, Jamaica – May 18, 2025 The World Family Doctor Day 2025 celebrations in Jamaica took center stage with a powerful conference under the theme “The impact of the Aging Population on Primary Healthcare”. Collaborators for the event are: the Caribbean College of Family Physicians Jamaica Chapter, The Association of General Practitioners of Jamaica and The Postgraduate FAM-MED Unit at the University of the West Indies Mona.
This virtual World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) event saw family physicians, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders from across the island and the region attend the virtual event webinar to participate and reflect on the evolving role of primary care in addressing the needs of an aging population. There were a total of 228 participants at the virtual event. With an emphasis on the ageing population, the conference explored critical challenges in healthcare
Submitted by Dr. Seni Ononuju
Website: https://www.ccfpjamaica.com/For
Chinese Medical Doctor Association General Practitioners Sub-Association (CMDA GP Sub-Association)
More than a thousand family doctors and residents from all levels in Beijing, and over 300 community health service centres participated in the activity. The Joint Party Committee of Beijing Medical and Health Associations joined our walking event and organised experts to carry out medical consultations. The launching ceremony was broadcast live online, attracting nearly 376,000 grassroots medical staff viewers. Everyone conveyed healthy-life concepts and an upward attitude towards life with a positive and full mental state.
Submitted by Dr. Ding Jing, Secretary of CMDA GP Sub-Association
Website: https://www.cmda.net/
Chinese Taipei Association of Family Medicine
To mark the 2025 World Family Doctor Day, the CTAFM launched a series of initiatives aligned with this year’s theme:
1. Special Publication: My Family Doctor: In collaboration with Consumer Reports of Taiwan, we released a special edition entitled “My Family Doctor”. The issue covered a wide range of family medicine topics such as vaccination advocacy, chronic disease management, and integrated care. It emphasized the holistic and person-centered role of family doctors, portraying them as trusted partners in lifelong health. This publication reached a broad audience and reinforced the image of family doctors as accessible, comprehensive, and reliable providers of care.
2. Digital Campaign and Public Outreach: We updated the official website and Facebook fan page with banners and celebratory messages reflecting this year’s theme. These digital actions increased awareness of the importance of mental resilience.
Submitted by Secretariat of CTAFM
Website: https://www.tafm.org.tw/ehc-tafm/s/index.htm
Dansk Selskab for Almen Medicin (DSAM) Danish College of General Practitioners
We made a subpage, social media and newsletter, we promoted a video at info-screens around general practitioners.
Submitted by Mogens Folkmann Andersen
Website: www.dsam.dk
Egyptian Family Medicine Association
Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, and Major General Ibrahim Abou Lemon, Governor of Menoufia, the Directorate of Health Affairs in Menoufia, in collaboration with the Egyptian Family Medicine Association and the Menoufia University Family Medicine Department, hosted a grand scientific celebration for World Family Doctor Day 2025 at the Directorate’s headquarters.
The event theme, Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World, underlined the vital role of primary care physicians in building resilient health systems. Dr. Amr Mostafa Mahmoud, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in Menoufia, opened the celebration by reaffirming the state’s commitment to strengthening primary care under Egypt’s Universal Health Coverage vision. Dr. Eman Zahran, Director of Primary Care, showcased Menoufia’s milestones in family medicine, including the expansion of “Decent Life” accredited units. Professor Hala El-Meselhy, Head of Family Medicine at Menoufia University and EFMA executive board member, called for more training slots to address national workforce gaps. A special lecture by Professor Nagwa Nashaat, EFMA executive member and WONCA Eastern Mediterranean Region secretary, highlighted mental health integration as a key pillar of holistic family care.
The celebration concluded with a pledge to expand partnerships between EFMA, universities and the Ministry of Health, to advocate for family medicine as the primary frontline for preventive and chronic disease care, and to thank all family doctors for being the heartbeat of healthcare.
General Practice and Emergency Medicine Association of Nepal
World Family Doctors Day was celebrated enthusiastically in different provinces of Nepal. We organised free health camps, community walks and a social-media challenge asking people to share stories of how family doctors have impacted their lives. Photos and testimonials from the events were shared online. Thank you for your dedication to advancing global healthcare.
Submitted by Dr. Aarati Shah
Website: https://www.gpeman.org.np/
Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP)
HKCFP, in collaboration with the Primary Healthcare Commission, successfully hosted the World Family Doctor Day 2025 Symposium on May 17, 2025. The event commenced with welcome addresses from Dr. Libby LEE (Under Secretary for Health, HKSAR) and Professor Margaret CHAN (Emeritus Director-General, WHO). This year’s theme focused on family medicine’s role in mental health and resilience, highlighting how family doctors—through long-term patient relationships—can detect early signs of anxiety, depression, and stress, enabling timely intervention. The Hong Kong Academy of Medicine’s Well-being Charter, launched in 2021, was also spotlighted, emphasizing clinician wellness through mental health training, peer support programs, and professional development initiatives. The symposium featured distinguished speakers, including Professor Philip LI (President, HK Academy of Medicine), Professor Donald LI (Chairman, Elderly Commission, HKSAR), Professor ZHU Shanzhu (President, General Medicine Branch of the Cross-Strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, China), and Dr. PANG Fei Chau (Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, HKSAR). Against the backdrop of rising global mental health challenges, discussions underscored the HK Government’s Primary Healthcare Blueprint, which aims to expand primary care services, strengthen mental health resources, and enhance community-based initiatives. To further promote World Family Doctor Day 2025 to the public, HKCFP published an article in a local newspaper and arranged a live radio program featuring the College President and Vice President, who introduced the event and this year’s theme to the public.
Submitted by Dr David Chao, President
Website: www.hkcfp.org.hk
Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists’ Association (FMSA)
In 2025, FMSA will mark the occasion with the World Family Doctor Day FitCPR Run on 6 July 2025 in Putrajaya. Under the theme “Mind & Heart in Motion: Run, Breathe, Rescue!” the event will bring together healthcare professionals and the community to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about mental health.
In collaboration with Klinik As-Salam and FitCPR, a mass community CPR training session will run alongside the fun run. By equipping participants with essential CPR skills and emphasising timely action in both cardiac arrest and mental health crises, the event aims to empower 600 runners—and set a new Malaysia Book of Records mark for the most participants in a CPR-themed run.
Submitted by Dr Nurul Nadia
Myanmar General Practitioners' Society
The Myanmar Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) organized the ceremony for World Family Doctor Day, together with the members of the Myanmar General Practitioners' Society, on May 19, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. The president, general secretary, and WONCA representative of the Myanmar GP Society attended the event in person. Firstly, the chairman of MAFP delivered an opening speech and honored the late patron of MAFP for his numerous contributions to the development of Family Medicine in Myanmar. The first speaker, the MAFP program director, gave a brief lecture on how family doctors can use DSM-5 in their practice. The second speaker was the academic director, who shared the practical tips and exercises for building mental resilience. Lastly, the two MAFP fellowship candidates presented behavioral health problems found in children and the difficulty of solving psychological problems found when someone passed away. General practitioners in Mandalay City also celebrated World Family Doctor Day on the same day. There were a total of 62 GPs participated, including GPs from nearby townships and Yangon. Topics regarding World Family Doctor Day, quality health care, being resilient family doctors, academic achievement, and earthquake response activities had been discussed. A one-minute silence activity was conducted in honor of earthquake-affected families and the lives lost. The gathering and the activities at the Mandalay WFDD ceremony had restored hope and reaffirmed the vital role of family doctors.
Submitted by Dr Mya Win Hnit
Website: https://www.mmacentral.org/societies/general-practitioners-society/
https://www.mafpmyanmar.org/
Japan Primary Care Association
In order to participate more systematically in this campaign, this year, members of the board of JPCA participated as a speaker in a webinar organized by WONCA. Dr. Koda, a board member and vice-chair of JPCA Mental Health Committee, participated as a speaker and discussed how cultural backgrounds in Brazil, Japan, Greece, Egypt, and India influence mental health, as well as how primary care can address the diverse needs of various communities. Additionally, our members shared information about the World Family Doctor Day, including the webinar, through social media and other platforms.
Submitted by Atsushi Igaki, Chief Administrative Officer
Website: https://www.primarycare-japan.com/
Jordan Society of Family Medicine (JSFM)
Under this year slogan of WFDD “building mental resilience in a changing world”, JSFM celebrated this day by highlighting on the mental health where about 30 to 35% of the population suffer some aspects of mental health ranging from anxiety and depression which represent most of light mental illnesses facing primary health care providers, more than 60 family physicians attended this occasion at Fermont hotel Amman , where speakers focused on the role of family physicians to tackle such mental illnesses, Dr Mohammed Rasoul Tarawneh (JSFM president deputy) spoke on mainly on this year WFDD slogan, the audience share their thoughts as well, then the members had a dinner which was supported by one of pharmaceutical companies.
Submitted by Mohamed Tarawneh
Website: www.jsfm.jo
Slovenian Association of Family Medicine
The event celebrating Family Doctor Day was planned well in advance. The shortage of family doctors in Slovenia has been a pressing issue for over a decade, particularly in the context of legislation. The Constitution states that every citizen has the right to register with a family doctor. Due to the shortage, approximately 140,000 Slovenian citizens are currently unable to exercise this right. Although the responsibility for this situation lies primarily with health policy and decision-makers, family practitioners have actively sought solutions for the past 15 years. We have participated in working groups at the Ministry of Health. Over time, several proposals and projects have been put forward.
To address these issues, a press conference was organized at the Slovenian Medical Chamber. It focused on both the theme of Family Doctor Day and the family doctors' perspective on the ongoing shortage. The invited speakers were:
• Prof. Igor Švab, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, and former President of WONCA Europe
• Assist. Teacher Aleksander Stepanovič, President of the Slovenian Family Medicine Association.
• Mateja Kokalj Kokot, MD, representative of the younger generation of family doctors
• Mr. Marjan Sušelj, Patient Rights Ombudsman
The event was moderated by Assist. Prof. Nena Kopčavar Guček, Vice President of the Slovenian Family Medicine Association. The press conference attracted numerous major media outlets and was featured in television and radio broadcasts on the day of the event and the day after. The full event can be viewed here.
Submitted by Assist. Prof. Nena Kopčavar Guček, MD, PhD, the Vice President of the Slovenian Family Medicine Association
Website: https://drmed.org/
Swedish Society of General Practice
The opinion papers focused on the role of relational continuity as a fundamental aspect of high quality health care. It also mentioned the problems that are needed to be solved to give all patients access to primary health care of high quality.
Submitted by Andreas Stomby
Website: www.sfam.se
The General Practitioners / Family Physicians Association of Thailand
To celebrate World Family Doctor Day 2025, the Royal College of General Practitioners/Family Physicians of Thailand and its network organized two main activities:
1. FM Photo Talk: A PhotoTalk competition titled 'Through the Lens, Revealing Strength Within' was held. The public was invited to vote via Facebook.
- First Prize: 'When the paraplegic doctor met her paraplegic patient' by Dr. Chayanit Rattanakarn.
- Second Prize: 'Though all around me melts away, still I stand and fight for tomorrow, whispered the snow man' by Dr. Yanisa Supasirisun.
- Third Prize: 'The touch that sends strength to help you through hard times' by Dr. Sukonlapat Boonyang.
2. Live Streaming: A special online event titled 'Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World' was broadcast in two parts:
- Part 1: 'Self-Care'
- Part 2: 'Care for the Vulnerable'
These activities aimed to raise awareness about the vital role of family doctors in promoting mental well-being and holistic care in the community.
Submitted by Dr. Sirinapa Siriporn Na Ratchaseema
Website: https://thaigpfm.org
University of Cape Town — Division of Family Medicine, Department of Family, Community and Emergency Care.
To commemorate World Family Doctor Day 2025, the Division of Family Medicine at UCT invited alumni and current students to share reflections on their family medicine journeys. These reflections were written on coloured notes and displayed in our main corridor, creating a living tapestry of experiences. We held a panel discussion with leading clinicians on the role of family doctors in promoting mental well-being and resilience.
Submitted by Assoc Prof Klaus von Pressentin
Website: UCT Department of Family, Community & Emergency Care
Wonca Iberoamericana CIMF
CIMF led a diverse program of webinars and forums addressing mental health from various perspectives, in coordination with its working groups and experts across Ibero-America.
Highlights included:
Dr. Débora Silva Teixeira (Brazil) led a session on meditation and mindfulness to enhance emotional well-being.
Dr. Cynthia Sánchez (Peru) addressed both the impact of social media and daily anxiety coping strategies.
Dr. Pablo Jiménez (Ecuador) presented a critical view on the trivialization of mental health, organized by the Education Working Group. A session on mental health in certification processes emphasized human-centered evaluation, led by the Certification and Recertification Group.
Dr. Ana Pérez (Bolivia) explored emotional intelligence in clinical and personal contexts.
Dr. Byron Bustamante (Ecuador) discussed mental health and migration and the emotional impact on migrant populations.
Dr. Ángel Sánchez (Peru) focused on community-based support networks.
The closing forum featured Dr. Dulce Adelaide Rivera (El Salvador), Dr. Vanessa Carrillo (Mexico), and Dr. Gad Zavala (Mexico), reflecting on building mental resilience globally.
All sessions were made publicly available on CIMF’s YouTube channel to promote ongoing access and visibility of family medicine initiatives across the region.
Submitted by Thomas Meoño Martin
Website: http://cimfwonca.org
WONCA Working Party on Women and Family Medicine – South Asia Region
On 19 May 2025, the Working Party on Women and Family Medicine of the South Asia Region marked World Family Doctor Day with a two-hour webinar led by Dr Hina Jawaid, Regional Lead SAR. The session was attended by 25 participants from 2 continents. Female family physicians (participants and speakers) from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka attended this session. In preparing for this event, high level of interest and involvement was demonstrated by the newly elected country leads. Our new young doctor lead developed a very eye-catching poster which came as a pleasant surprise for all of us. The one thing to highlight here is the good organization and team work behind the scenes that went into the arrangement of this event. As a result, the outcome was positive. The speakers talked about existing primary care system in their countries, what reforms had taken place and how various measure taken by primary care physicians in the academic and administrative domains had an impact on the local populations. The question and answer session raised important topics for discussion and brainstorming on how South Asian qualifications (Post raduate) can be made more effective.
Dr Elizabeth Reji gave opening remarks. She also contributed significantly in the question and answer session. Such sessions not only provide educational platform but also a forum for debate, discussion and allow us to focus on way forward for the discipline. Like many other sessions of women working party this event not only provided an opportunity to female family physicians’ of south Asia to share their work but also actively involved junior colleagues. We believe in mentoring our young doctors along with development of second tier leadership.
Submitted by Dr Hina Jawaid, Regional Lead SAR
