Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš

Prof. Zalika Klemenc Ketiš, MD, PHD

I am a primary care expert, known for strong leadership, multidisciplinary approach and action-oriented work. I serve as Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Maribor and as a practitioner and researcher in the Community Health Centre Ljubljana, where I bridge clinical practice, academic research and health policy.

With over nine years of leadership experience on the Executive Board of WONCA Europe – currently as Honorary Treasurer – and as former President of EQuiP (the European Society for Quality and Safety in Family Practice), I have helped shape primary care across Europe.

My work spans quality and safety in healthcare, medical education and public health reform. I led and participated in impactful international projects (TRANSSIMED, EUVECA, CITY-MOVE, RAPIDE, PaRIS), consistently securing competitive funding and translating innovation into practice. As an expert of WHO and the World Bank, I have contributed to family-medicine education in several countries and continue to work with Slovenia’s Ministry of Health on improving quality of primary care in Slovenia.

Election Materials

As a practicing family physician, researcher, and educator, my vision for WONCA is rooted in real-world care, strengthened by scientific evidence, and guided by people’s needs. Drawing from over 20 years of experience—from clinical practice in Slovenia to global policy collaboration—I aim to foster a more connected, sustainable, and impactful WONCA.

1. Advancing research & innovation

I will strengthen global research collaborations that generate actionable evidence for everyday care. By leveraging EU-funded projects and initiatives, I will seek to support WONCA’s research mission and expand its impact through strategic funding and partnerships.

2. Strengthening primary care systems

Having helped shape Slovenia’s high-performing primary care model and supported WHO in embedding family medicine in national systems, I will foster WONCA’s collaboration with WHO and OECD. Together, we can promote family medicine as a foundation of universal health coverage, especially in low-resource settings.

3. Financial & environmental sustainability

As former Honorary Treasurer of WONCA Europe, I bring a deep understanding of responsible financial stewardship. My goal is to enhance WONCA’s financial stability by securing EU funding and building strategic partnerships. At the same time, I am committed to promoting sustainable practices in primary care that align with broader environmental and public health goals—ensuring our efforts remain future-focused and globally relevant.

4. Global advocacy & education

With a strong foundation in academic leadership and international collaboration, I am committed to strengthening WONCA’s role in global policy forums such as WHO and OECD. By promoting knowledge exchange and supporting evidence-informed policymaking, I will work to ensure family medicine is recognized and valued worldwide—building a more inclusive and connected global primary care community.

5. Equity, collaboration & value-based care

Coming from a region where family medicine is still developing, I understand the importance of visibility, support, and collaboration. I will advocate for value-based, people-centred primary care—care that goes beyond access to deliver measurable value to communities.

Rooted in practice. Driven by evidence. Inspired by people.