A few years ago, during the height of the COVID pandemic, we found ourselves in a world of isolation — no face-to-face meetings, no casual hallway conversations, no in-person workshops with friends or professional colleagues. Communication was strained, and the sense of community that had always fueled our work in medical education felt distant.
It was during this challenging time that a spark of innovation emerged within the European Academy of Teachers in General Practice (EURACT) . We needed a way to reconnect, to support each other, and to continue growing — despite the circumstances. So, we created something new: the Snowball Symposium.
What began as a modest idea — a series of online monthly meetings — soon grew into a dynamic platform where educators could gather virtually to share ideas, explore new strategies in feminine medicine, and adapt teaching methods for the digital era. Month by month, like a snowball rolling downhill, the energy grew. Each session added new perspectives, new voices, and a renewed sense of connection.
The Snowball Symposium became more than just an online meeting. It became a symbol of resilience, creativity, and community — proving that even in isolation, we could build something meaningful together.
Sharing the Art of Teaching: The Spirit of the Snowball Symposium
Every teacher of family medicine — across Europe and even around the world — has a unique way of teaching. Each of us carries inspiring stories, personal discoveries, and innovative methods that have shaped how we educate the next generation of doctors. These experiences are not just valuable — they’re worth sharing.
That’s where the Snowball Symposium finds its power.
As part of EURACT, it brings together educators from across Europe. Snowball creates a space where we can meet as colleagues, not just to listen, but to engage. These online meetings are designed to be simple, yet powerful: a short theoretical introduction followed by small group discussions. This format allows participants to connect on a deeper level, learn from one another, and most importantly — to inspire and be inspired.
It’s not just about techniques and tools. It’s about rekindling the passion for teaching, discovering new approaches, and feeling part of something larger — a living, breathing community of educators who care deeply about how medicine is taught.
Why “Snowball”?
The name Snowball Symposia carries a blend of symbolism, both seasonal and philosophical.
First, it reflects the time of year in which these meetings take place — the colder months, when snow begins to fall and we naturally turn inward. The symposia run from October through April, filling the seasonal gap between EURACT’s national council members meetings. During this winter period, when personal meetings are rare, the Snowball Symposia offer a warm space for connection, learning, and exchange.
But the name holds a deeper meaning, too. Like a snowball rolling down a hill, gaining momentum and size, each monthly meeting adds something new — fresh ideas, shared experiences, thoughtful discussions. Together, we grow the snowball of inspiration and innovation in the teaching of family medicine. We invite you to be part of this journey.
The Structure of a Snowball Symposium
Over the years, the Snowball Symposia have developed a clear and engaging format — a model that blends structure with creativity, and professionalism with a touch of fun.
Each Snowball session typically unfolds as follows:
1. Pre-Party (optional, but fun!)
Before the official start, we sometimes host a light-hearted pre-party — a casual space to connect, share a smile, and warm up for the main session. Nice music and picture of the fireplace are highlights of this part.
2. Ice-Breaking Session
A welcoming activity sets the tone, helps participants get to know each other, and fosters a friendly atmosphere — even through screens.
3. A Touch of Theory
We present a concise theoretical input in creative ways: short lectures, video clips, interactive presentations, or live demonstrations — always focused, relevant, and thought-provoking.
4. Interactive Idea Sharing
Participants actively engage by sharing their thoughts and experiences using modern tools like Mentimeter, Jamboard, Wooklap etc or other collaborative platforms. This participatory element ensures that every voice can be heard and that new ideas emerge from every corner.
5. Small Group Discussions
In breakout rooms, participants dive deeper into the topic, sharing experiences, asking questions, and building peer-to-peer connections.
6. Post-Party
We often close with a relaxed “after-session” gathering — sometimes with music, sometimes just warm conversation. It’s the perfect way to unwind, reflect, and celebrate the community we've built.
The Snowball Symposia aren't just meetings — they are experiences. Each one rolls forward with new energy, building momentum, strengthening our network, and enriching how we teach family medicine.
Topics of the Snowballs
Topics are usually selected according to the more actual and up-to-date requests of the audience. Sometimes, our audience suggests us the future topics for discussion. For example, during the COVID time, we had a lack of knowledge how to teach small and larger groups or big groups online during medical education, and that was the topic of snowballs in the beginning. We collected a lot of ideas, and that was an interesting option to discuss. After that, we evaluated that we have much more interesting topics to discuss even after the COVID, when we knew how to deal with the challenging patients and how to teach non-veterans.
The Snowball Keeps Rolling
When we first launched the Snowball Symposia, we started modestly — just three topics for the season. But the momentum grew. Today, we proudly fill every month from October to April with meaningful, engaging Snowball meetings.
These meetings have become more than just educational sessions. For many, especially in countries like Ukraine where travel may be restricted or difficult because of war or other issues, Snowball Symposia offer something more — a gulp of fresh air, a sense of belonging, a way to stay connected to the wider European teaching community.
For teachers who cannot attend in-person international meetings, these online sessions bring the same warmth, depth, and collegial spirit. They remind us that distance doesn't have to mean disconnection. Through a screen, across borders, we continue to learn from each other, support one another, and grow together.
The Snowball keeps rolling — and with each turn, it gathers not only ideas, but people, passion, and purpose.
Everyone Is Welcome to Join the Snowball
We warmly encourage participation in the Snowball Symposia, and we work closely with the National Representatives of EURACT to spread the word across Europe. But we want to go even further.
We also invite colleagues from WONCA Europe and beyond to become part of this growing teaching community. You don’t need to be a faculty member to join us. If you’re a family doctor, a GP working as a mentor of the student or resident in your clinic, a supervisor to trainees during clerkships or fellowships, or simply someone passionate about medical education — the Snowball is for you.
We especially welcome doctors working in rural or remote areas, where professional exchange can be limited. The Snowball Symposia offer a chance to connect, to learn, and to feel part of something bigger — no matter where you are in the world.
Together, we roll forward, sharing the warmth of collegiality even through the coldest months.
Stay Tuned and Spread the Word
Announcements of upcoming Snowball Symposia will always be available on the official EURACT website, and we hope, in the near future, also on the WONCA Europe platform. We continue to disseminate information actively through our EURACT National Council members, reaching both current members and non-members who share our passion for teaching.
Participation in the Snowball Symposia is free for EURACT members, which we hope will also serve as an invitation — and inspiration — for others to join our vibrant society of teachers in family medicine. Whether you’re already part of the EURACT family or considering joining, you are welcome to step into this warm circle of educators.
Let’s keep the snowball rolling — together.
Meet the Snowball Parents
We, the initiators of the Snowball Symposia — Pavlo Kolesnyk, National Council Member of EURACT from Ukraine, and Arabel Rieder, National Council Member from Switzerland — are proud to see how far this idea has come.
What began as a creative response to an isolated time has now become a recognizable brand within EURACT — a dynamic, evolving initiative that keeps growing in relevance and reach.
Each Snowball meeting brings a fresh energy, thanks to the dynamic selection of timely topics, the involvement of inspiring leaders and presenters, and the diversity of new teaching teams. Every session is unique, carrying its own spirit, shaped by those who join and contribute.
We are confident that with a structured approach to topic selection, feedback, and participant engagement, the Snowball Symposia will continue to thrive for many years to come. It has become more than just a series of online meetings — it is a living, breathing part of EURACT’s educational ecosystem.
The snowball keeps rolling — and we invite you to roll it with us.
Collaborative Leadership and Future Growth
Pavlo Kolesnyk and Arabel Rieder are both highly talented and energetic teachers of family medicine with extensive experience. They are not only professional colleagues but also close friends, constantly generating new ideas and pushing the boundaries of teaching in family medicine. Their shared vision has been a driving force behind the success of the Snowball Symposia, and they are eager to support new leaders who will continue to shape this initiative.
The collaborative spirit of Pavlo and Arabel encourages everyone involved in the Snowball Symposia to stay engaged and inspired. It’s this sense of shared purpose that motivates all of us to continue innovating, exchanging knowledge, and fostering a teaching environment where both new and traditional methods blend harmoniously.
The Snowball Symposia are not just about sharing knowledge — they are about absorbing new perspectives, embracing different teaching styles, and evolving together. It’s this dynamic mix of change and continuity that gives us the energy to keep rolling forward.
An Invitation to All Teachers of Family Medicine
Whether you are a young teacher just starting your journey, or an experienced educator with wisdom to share — if you have something to share or something you wish to learn, you are always welcome at the Snowball Symposia.
These gatherings are more than just meetings. They are spaces where ideas sparkle like snowflakes — unique, light, and full of potential. And just like snowballs, they carry a special warmth inside. They may start cold, but they melt hearts, ignite minds, and inspire the soul.
Join us — and feel the gentle warmth of shared knowledge, creative teaching, and European collegiality.
Let the Snowball spirit inspire you!