In April 2024, the 8th European Young Family Doctors Movement (EYFDM) Forum (with the theme “Together we grow - building a healthy future”) achieved something memorable. 260 young family doctors from 34 countries met in Vienna to celebrate family medicine. We gathered together, formed teams, and exchanged experiences from all across Europe. In workshops we integrated our passions, ideas and ideals, taking these further through presentations and discussions about fascinating topics in our field.
We had inspiring keynotes about wellbeing by Dr Andrée Rochfort, we learned to care not only for the patients but also about ourselves. Prof. Shlomo Vinker (WONCA Europe President) spoke about the future of General Practice, encouraging and inspiring us to develop ourselves and the profession further. Dr Cheryl Chan (WONCA World Young Family Doctor Lead) shared news from Young Family Doctors across the globe, providing us with passion to make connections. We heard cutting edge talks on artificial intelligence, weight management strategies, and fake news in healthcare, as well as considering how to be a leader in family medicine.
Thanks to the generous hospitality of Austrian colleagues, 27 conference participants were able to visit and get a taste of family medicine in practices across Austria.
The social events like the Rooftop Dinner Party by the Danube River and the Gala Dinner in the Rathhaus Keller (Town Hall cellar) provided the perfect finish to each day, cementing friendships and giving birth to new ideas to come. Accompanying city tours allowed attendees to visit sights like the Narrenturm (historical mental health hospital), Wurstelprater amusement park, Schönbrunn palace, or even to attend the medicine themed tour “"Cocaine & Inbreeding” to learn about the fascinating secrets of the Habsburgs, while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Hofburg.
In keeping with the welcoming and inclusive aims of the conference, the Forum was family friendly. A number of attendees brought their children to the meetings, scientific schedule sessions, and socials. Space for quiet and breastfeeding was available. The playroom with toys was also a big hit! In doing so, we are excited to have welcomed and supported family medicine doctors of today, tomorrow, and beyond.
We’ve made beautiful memories, explored fascinating new topics, and expanded our community of friends.
We are looking forward to the next EYFDM Forum (25 - 27 Apr, 2025) in the Grand Region straddling Luxembourg-Germany-France. Book now to avoid disappointment! https://www.eyfdmforum2025.com/