12 Tips for Family Medicine Policy Advocacy in 2025

 January: Recognize the Importance of Policy Advocacy in Daily Practice 
Advocacy is a powerful way to amplify the role of family medicine in health systems. Start the year by identifying key challenges in your practice that could benefit from policy changes and begin advocating for solutions.

 

 February: Engage Health Ministries at the National Level ️ 
Finance and policy development are critical for a robust family medicine workforce. Advocate for sustainable policies that promote high-quality care, safety, and retention of primary care doctors.

 

 March: Share Evidence-Based Insights and Good Practices  
Leverage data and research to highlight the value of family medicine. Share studies and good practices with member organizations of Wonca Europe to strengthen advocacy efforts collectively.

 

 April: Build Relationships with European MPs  ️
Engage with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to influence health policies at the EU level. Advocate for family medicine as a solution to challenges like chronic diseases, aging populations, and health inequities.

 

 May: Connect with European Institutions  
Collaborate with organizations like the European Commission, ECDC, OECD, EuroHealthNet, and WHO Europe to enhance family medicine's presence in European health policy discussions.

 

 June: Focus on Equity and Access Across Europe ️ 
Promote policies that ensure equitable access to quality primary care services, particularly for underserved and rural populations.

 

 July: Communicate Clearly and Consistently ️ 
Develop clear, compelling messages about family medicine’s value. Use patient stories and data to engage policymakers, the public, and stakeholders.

 

 August: Highlight the Role of Family Medicine in Crisis Response ️ ️
Showcase family medicine’s contributions to health system resilience during crises, advocating for its integration into preparedness plans.

 

 September: Advocate for Family Medicine in Medical Education 
Push for the inclusion of family medicine as a core subject in medical curricula. Support efforts to train the next generation of family doctors to uphold primary care’s role in health systems.

 

 October: Leverage Digital Health and HIS  
Promote interoperable health information systems (HIS) that connect primary care with hospitals and public health, enhancing care coordination and efficiency.

 

 November: Inspire and Mentor Future Advocates  
Encourage young family doctors and medical students to engage in advocacy. Share experiences, mentor future leaders, and involve them in shaping the future of family medicine.

 

 December: Celebrate Success and Plan for the Future  
Reflect on advocacy achievements, share successes with your network, and set ambitious goals for 2026 to maintain momentum.

 

Each month presents a unique opportunity to advance family medicine advocacy. By focusing on these actionable tips, we can strengthen the voice of family doctors and enhance primary care’s impact across Europe. 

 

Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation and progress for family medicine! 

 

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

 

Warm regards,

Executive Board of the WE Working Party on Policy Advocacy