As the European primary care community prepares for the 102nd EGPRN Meeting in Verona (14–17 May 2026), we sat down with Dr. Giulio Rigon, Chair of the Organizing Committee and Italian National Representative of EGPRN.
In this interview, Dr. Rigon discusses the strategic importance of this year’s theme, "Continuity of care now and in the future," and explains why this meeting is a landmark moment for researchers, clinicians, and the next generation of family doctors. 🌍
Defining the EGPRN Experience 🤝
For those in the wider WONCA Europe community who may not be familiar, what should our readers know about the EGPRN and the unique, interactive "workshop" format of its conferences?
Dr. Giulio Rigon: EGPRN is a distinctive European network dedicated to primary care research. Our meetings stand out for high scientific standards and highly interactive workshops, where participants engage, debate, and collaborate. It isn’t just a series of lectures; EGPRN fosters collective research, mentorship, and shared learning that extends far beyond a typical congress. It is a space where research is "built" rather than just presented. 🛠️
The Saturday National Keynote 🎤
On Saturday, you will be chairing the session for Dr. Ferdinando Petrazzuoli, whose keynote focuses on "Continuity of Care: an essential characteristic of the discipline of general practice/family medicine." Why is it vital to reaffirm this as a "core characteristic" rather than a luxury in today’s landscape?
Dr. Rigon: Continuity of care is fundamental to general practice; it enables effective, equitable, and person-centered treatment. Despite healthcare pressures like aging populations and increasing fragmentation, continuity should never be considered secondary. It is an essential function that builds trust, supports coordination, and improves long-term outcomes for patients and families. Without it, the very core of family medicine is diluted. 🩺
The Access-Continuity Balance ⚖️
On Friday, Prof. Dr. Steinar Hunskaar addresses "How to balance direct access and continuity of care," chaired by Prof. Lieve Peremans. How does the Verona program help researchers and clinicians solve this modern paradox where patients demand both immediate availability and a long-term personal doctor?
Dr. Rigon: This is a central tension in modern primary care. Patients understandably want to be seen quickly when they need help, but they also want to feel known by a clinician who understands their history and context. The Verona program helps researchers and clinicians think about this not as a paradox to be endured, but as a balance to be actively designed through better organization, multidisciplinary teamwork, and technological innovation.
The Technological Shift 🤖
With discussions on Ambient Clinical Intelligence (ACI) and Agentic AI, how can technology act as a "partner" to help clinicians maintain relational continuity without the burden of burnout?
Dr. Rigon: Technology can effectively support clinicians when used properly. Tools like ACI help reduce administrative tasks, aid documentation, and streamline information flow so clinicians spend more quality time with patients. When implemented well, these tools enhance relational continuity, ensuring technology serves the clinician-patient relationship and prevents the administrative burnout that often drives doctors away from the bedside. 💻
Thursday’s Deep-Dive Workshops 🔍
What is the strategic value of moving Patient and Caregiver Partnership from theory to practice with Prof. Alain Mercier, and how does the workshop on Qualitative Research (led by Prof. Paul Van Royen and Ms. Emilie Op de Beeck) help capture the "human nuances" of care?
Dr. Rigon: These workshops are crucial because they put theory into practical use. The partnership workshop encourages genuine involvement of patients in service design and delivery, creating more responsive and humane care systems. Meanwhile, the qualitative research workshop captures vital human experiences—the "why" and "how"—that quantitative data alone cannot, providing valuable insights into the actual dynamics of care. 🗣️
The Italian Context 🇮🇹
Within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, how is Italy leading the shift toward community-based primary care?
Dr. Rigon: Italy is in a particularly interesting position right now. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan has created real momentum for strengthening community-based care. The direction is clear: more integrated services, more multidisciplinary teamwork, and a shift away from hospital-centered models. Italy has an opportunity not only to reform its structures but to help redefine how primary care works in practice for an aging population.
The Next Generation 🌟
EGPRN offers reduced fees for young doctors. Why should early-career researchers and EYFDM members prioritize this meeting, and what unique mentorship opportunities await them in Verona?
Dr. Rigon: This is a top priority for us. Early-career researchers should prioritize this meeting because EGPRN provides a uniquely supportive and non-intimidating environment to present work and gain feedback from world-class experts. Beyond the reduced fees (available for members under 30), the mentorship opportunities are unparalleled. EYFDM members can engage directly with senior researchers, often leading to international collaborations and clear academic direction that can define their entire career. 🚀
Conference Legacy 🏅
What do you hope will be the lasting legacy of the Verona meeting? Is the committee planning to produce a Conference Statement or Declaration to help guide European policy?
Dr. Rigon: I hope the real value of the conference will be in strengthening the shared European understanding that continuity is central to the future of our profession. A Conference Statement or Declaration would be a very meaningful outcome; it would help translate our discussions into a clear message for policy makers and professional organizations, ensuring our impact lasts well beyond our days in Verona. 📜
Why Verona? 🏛️
Why is the historic Palazzo della Gran Guardia a "can’t-miss" venue for this exchange?
Dr. Rigon: Verona provides an excellent location, offering a blend of historical significance and aesthetic appeal. The Palazzo della Gran Guardia is a distinguished venue that supports an environment conducive to thoughtful discussion and international dialogue. A conference focused on the future of care benefits from a setting that is both notable and stimulating. 🍕🍷
The "Human" Side 📖
Our readers love to know the person behind the profession. Is there a particular book you are currently reading that you would recommend to your colleagues?
Dr. Rigon: I am currently reading "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande. I highly recommend it. The book explores aging, dignity, and medical care, emphasizing the importance of compassion alongside clinical skill—a message that is incredibly relevant for everyone in general practice and family medicine. 📚
About the 102nd EGPRN Meeting 📅
The European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN) will hold its 102nd meeting in the historic city of Verona, Italy, from 14–17 May 2026. Under the theme "Continuity of care now and in the future," the meeting gathers researchers, clinicians, and policy makers from across Europe to discuss the evolution of primary care.
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Registration: https://meeting.egprn.org/ 💻
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Venue: Palazzo della Gran Guardia, Piazza Bra, Verona. 🏛️
About Dr. Giulio Rigon 👤
Giulio Rigon, MD, MSc, is a General Practitioner and a faculty member (Lecturer and Tutor) at the University of Verona School of Medicine. He currently serves as the Italian National Representative of EGPRN and is the Chair of the Organizing Committee for the 102nd EGPRN Meeting. With a background in diabetes management, e-learning, and clinical decision support systems, his work focuses on improving the quality of patient care through evidence-based research and education. 🎓
