Date: 17–21 September 2025
Venue: Lisbon Congress Centre (CCL), Lisbon
Project Manager: Renata Somolová

One of the world’s most important conferences in family medicine — WONCA World 2025 — took place from 17–21 September 2025 at the Lisbon Congress Centre (CCL). Thousands of physicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders from dozens of countries gathered to address a question that repeatedly arose throughout the program: What will family medicine look like in ten years — and who will get it there?

Rather than lengthy introductory formalities, the first day immediately sparked lively discussions across generations, continents, and approaches to care. While some spoke of artificial intelligence as a new colleague in the clinic, others reminded participants that no technology can replace human interaction.

The natural networking that occurred — from spontaneous coffee conversations to evening discussions at shared tables — confirmed that WONCA is not just a conference, but a vibrant community sharing a common mission.

Scientific Program: Innovation in the Context of Daily Practice

The conference program offered a wide range of topics reflecting the current challenges of primary care. Keynote lectures by leading figures such as Karen Flegg and Seyma Handan Akyon focused on key areas including healthcare system sustainability and the use of artificial intelligence in family medicine practices.

Workshops and symposia provided practical tools for participants — from strategies for dementia prevention through lifestyle interventions to engaging digital-native generations of patients and supporting their motivation to adopt healthy habits.

Special attention was given to the Young Doctors’ Movements Preconference. This became a standalone platform for open discussion on the challenges of early practice — from workload and the need for mentorship support to opportunities for international mobility. It was here that the future of the field was felt most strongly, born not in the main halls but in an environment of shared enthusiasm and solidarity.

Social Dimension

The highlight of the social program was the Gala Dinner on 19 September at Pátio da Galé, located near the iconic Praça do Comércio. Under the open sky, at long tables accompanied by music, countless professional and personal connections were formed.

Conclusion

WONCA World 2025 demonstrated that family medicine stands on three pillars — expertise, collaboration, and humanity.

Participants returned home with new insights, contacts, and motivation. Whether it is technological innovation or a daily conversation with a patient, the message of this year’s edition was clear:

The strength of primary care lies not in the system alone — but in the people on its front lines.

Special thanks go to Project Manager Renata Somolová and her team for their meticulous organization and tireless support, which ensured the event ran smoothly and professionally. Their dedication allowed all participants to fully focus on what mattered most — learning, sharing, and connecting.