In 2025, Lisbon will host one of the most significant moments for our community: the 25th WONCA World Conference. This event, which will bring together family doctors from around the world between September 17 and 21, will be preceded by a unique experience dedicated to young doctors - the Young Doctors’ Movement Pre-Conference, taking place from September 16 to 17.

Under the theme “Future-proofing family medicine”, the Pre-Conference will address highly relevant issues such as the sustainability of health systems - including workforce management, access to care, and medical training - the well-being of doctors, with a special focus on work-life balance, the health of the planet, whose degradation directly affects population health, and the role of organizations such as WONCA and the Young Doctors’ Movements in sharing know-ledge and buil-ding networks for collaboration.

Participating in an international WONCA conference is, above all, a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. Being exposed to different perspectives, models of care delivery, organizational approaches, and such diverse realities in terms of available resources challenges us to step outside our comfort zone. This diversity invites us to question our practices, recognize our strengths, and identify areas for improvement. At the same time, it inspires us to adopt innovative ideas and creative solutions that can enhance the care we provide. It is through this intercultural dialogue that we truly begin to shape our identity as doctors - more aware, more open, and above all, more committed to a better future for our patients and communities.

This healthy exposure to other realities also allows us to value what we do best: the humanistic principles of our practice, our closeness to patients, and the resilience that characterizes family doctors. Quite often, we come to realize that, in fact, “we do this very well.” And that realization is just as important as identifying what needs to be improved.

However, there is something even more powerful about these gatherings: the spirit of unity. It is deeply inspiring to meet young family doctors from different countries, cultures, and contexts, and to realize that, despite many differences, we share a common desire: to care and to provide the best possible care to our communities. This eagerness to learn, share expectations, and build collaborative networks is what transforms WONCA into a true global movement.

This conference promises to be truly unforgettable!