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We are honoured to welcome distinguished keynote speakers who are leaders in global health, primary care innovation, primary care workforce, quadruple aim and health system transformation
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This conference is a unique opportunity for Family Doctors/GPs to gain new insights, exchange best practices, and engage with colleagues from across the globe
Prof Mehmet Ungan is acting as the co-chair of the WONCA Lisbon 2025 Conference Scientific Committee and the past President of the WONCA Europe. Currently active Professor at Ankara University Department of Family Medicine (FM). He is also Past President of the European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN). He is one of the founders of Turkish Association of Family Physicians and served as President. He was certified as GP Trainer in University of Exeter Postgraduate Medical School, UK Worked as director of a university medical centre and as an advisor of the Ministry on FM/GP. He is in editorial boards of many Primary Care journals.
Prof Ungan was involved in organizing the WONCA Europe and its networks Conferences in Turkey in 2003, 2008, and 2015.
Trained in Global Tuberculosis (TB) Institute, Newark-NY (USA). Currently he is a board member of IPPA and an expert in WHO Europe on Primary Care. Works with European Cancer Organization and leads the EU Project packages.
Prof Ungan has been providing scholarship to undergraduate-university students after the devastating earthquakes where many families were destroyed. With his team he has been helping the refugees living in Turkey, who were regarded as temporary guests, in their health needs and immunizations trying to be a health bridge between UN, IOM, ICMC and the CDC.
In addition to books and book chapters, he has more than 100 printed international original articles. He has a preferred place in the professor assignment in international juries of academic positions in foreign universities as well as national inter-universities commission duties.
We wanted to sit down with Professor Ungan to know more about the WONCA Conference 2025
1. How would you introduce WONCA to our readers?
WONCA is the global voice of family medicine, bringing together family doctors/ general practitioners (FDs/GPs) and primary care professionals from around the world. It serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, advancing research, and advocating for high-quality, patient-centred primary care. Through its conferences and networks, WONCA fosters collaboration and innovation in family medicine to address global health challenges.
2. Why did you choose the conference theme “New Vision for Primary Health Care and Sustainable Development”?
Primary health care (PHC) is at the heart of a sustainable and resilient health system. The theme reflects the need to rethink and strengthen PHC in response to evolving global challenges, including aging populations, health inequalities, digital transformation, and climate change. We want to inspire new models of care that ensure accessibility, equity, and long-term sustainability.
3. What other topics will be dealt with in the conference?
The conference will cover a wide range of critical topics, including digital health innovations, interdisciplinary teamwork, health equity, mental health, planetary health, medical education, and community-based care. We will also discuss policy frameworks that support PHC sustainability.
4. Regarding the keynote lectures and speakers, what would you highlight?
We are honoured to welcome distinguished keynote speakers who are leaders in global health, primary care innovation, primary care workforce, quadruple aim and health system transformation. Their insights will inspire discussions on how we can reshape primary care to meet future challenges in a healthy way. Expect cutting-edge perspectives from both experienced and emerging voices in the field.
5. What about abstract submissions?
We already have many submissions which we started to review and expect much more during the last week of the submission deadline as always happened in WONCA Conferences. Family Doctors, researchers, and primary healthcare professionals submit abstracts showcasing their latest research, innovations, and best practices. The conference offers a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration. There will be opportunities for participants as oral presentations, e-posters, symposia and workshops, allowing us to engage in meaningful discussions.
6. Regarding the social program, what does the conference offer?
Beyond the scientific sessions, the conference will feature a rich social program, including cultural events, networking opportunities, and tours. Attendees will have the chance to experience the local culture, build international connections, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere that fosters both professional and personal exchanges.
7. Why should FDs/GPs attend the conference?
This conference is a unique opportunity for Family Doctors/GPs to gain new insights, exchange best practices, and engage with colleagues from across the globe. It will provide practical knowledge that can be applied in daily practice while also exploring the future of primary care in a rapidly changing world. All WONCA conferences bring friends together and also gives a great chance to have new friends all around the world.
8. What does the conference offer to young FDs/GPs?
Young Family Doctors/GPs will benefit from mentorship opportunities, skill-building workshops, and networking events designed specifically for early-career professionals. They will have access to inspiring role models, research collaborations, and discussions on career development in primary care. YDM is very active in preconference and also involved in the main scientific program with many high-level activities.
9. What key messages would you like the conference to deliver?
- Primary health care is the foundation of a resilient and sustainable health system.
- Innovation and collaboration are key to addressing global health challenges.
- Investing in PHC leads to better health outcomes and reduced inequalities.
- The future of family medicine depends on integrating technology while maintaining a strong patient-centred approach.
10. Which book are you reading? Do you recommend it?
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has always been on my bookshelf, and I find myself returning to it from time to time. It’s a story that reminds us of the importance of looking beyond what is immediately visible, listening with empathy, and valuing human connections—qualities that are at the heart of being a good family doctor. Just as the Little Prince teaches us to see with our hearts, Family Doctors/GPs must go beyond symptoms to understand the deeper needs of their patients. It’s a book that resonates on many levels, both personally and professionally, and I highly recommend it.
Join us in Lisbon (Portugal) between 17-21 September 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 March 2025
Please visit https://www.woncaworld2025.org/