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

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

Instead of lengthy formal openings, the conference began with a lively discussion that spanned generations, continents, and approaches to care. While some spoke of artificial intelligence as a new colleague in the consulting room, others reminded everyone that no technology can replace human connection.

And it was precisely the network of relationships that naturally formed among participants — from spontaneous coffee-break conversations to evening debates over shared dinners — that confirmed that WONCA is not just a conference, but a living community united by a shared mission.

Scientific Program: Innovation in Everyday Practice

The conference program offered a rich variety of topics reflecting the current challenges of primary care. Keynote lectures by figures such as Karen Flegg and Seyma Handan Akyon focused on crucial areas including the sustainability of healthcare systems and the use of artificial intelligence in family doctors’ practices.

Workshops and symposia provided participants with practical tools — from strategies for dementia prevention through lifestyle interventions to working with digital-native patient generations and supporting their motivation to change habits.

Special recognition belongs to the Preconference for Young Doctors (Young Doctors’ Movements), which became an independent platform for open discussion about the challenges of early practice — from workload and mentorship needs to opportunities for international mobility. It was here that one could most strongly feel that the future of the field is not shaped in the main halls, but in an atmosphere of shared enthusiasm and solidarity.

Social Dimension

The most memorable social moment was the Gala Dinner on September 19 at Pátio da Galé, located near the iconic Praça do Comércio square. Under the open sky, with long tables and live 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 left Lisbon with new knowledge, contacts, and motivation. Whether it’s 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 only in the system — but in the people who stand on its front lines.

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