We are delighted to introduce Dr. Jana Bendova (Slovak Republic), one of the esteemed joint recipients of the WONCA Europe 5-Star Doctor Award 2025. This prestigious honour celebrates family doctors who embody the comprehensive roles of a care provider, decision-maker, communicator, community leader, and manager.
In this insightful feature, Dr. Bendova shares her deeply moving reflections on receiving the award, her journey into family medicine, and her vision for the future of primary care. From her upbringing where engineering was the expected path, to finding her true calling as a dedicated community practitioner, Dr. Bendova speaks passionately about the profound impact of empathy and connection. She highlights the role of the family doctor as a vital 'communicator' and a mentor striving to inspire the next generation to see general practice not as a "fallback option," but as the indispensable foundation of healthcare.
A Humble Honour: Seeing the Value of Consistent, Caring Work
How does it feel to be recognized with this honour?
It feels both humbling and deeply moving. This honour is not only mine - it belongs to my patients, to my wonderful team, to my colleagues in the Slovak Society of General Practice. Every day, we work quietly, often without applause, but with a great sense of purpose. This recognition is a beautiful reminder that this kind of work - human, consistent, and caring - is seen and valued.
From Mathematics to Medicine: A Role Model and a Community Calling
Can you tell us about your journey into family medicine and what motivated you to pursue this path?
There were no doctors in my family. I was excellent at mathematics, so my parents imagined I would study engineering. But I was always drawn to people - to listening, helping, understanding. I had a wonderful paediatrician who became my role model. She was not only a great doctor, but also a remarkable communicator. She could talk to us children in a way that made us feel safe, and to our parents in a way that gave them trust.
When I decided to study medicine, I already knew I wanted to work in the same community where I grew up and where I live today. Family medicine felt like the natural choice – it allows me to care for people I truly know, to be part of their stories, and to make a real difference in their everyday lives.
The Invisible Bridge: Why Communication is the Most Resonant Role
The award celebrates doctors who are a care provider, decision-maker, communicator, community leader, and manager. Which of these roles resonates with you the most in your practice, and why?
I see myself most in the role of communicator. Communication is the invisible bridge between doctor and patient - it’s where trust and healing begin. When I communicate in my practice, I reach one person at a time. But when I communicate through the media or on social networks, I can reach thousands of people and help shape public attitudes – especially toward prevention, vaccination, and mental health.
Good communication can change how people think about their health. It can replace fear with understanding. And that’s something I find truly powerful and meaningful.
Facing the Workload Challenge: Mentoring the Next Generation
What is the biggest challenge you face in family medicine in your country, and how do you address it?
The biggest challenge is the growing workload and the shortage of young doctors choosing this field. Too many of us are overwhelmed by administrative tasks, and too few see family medicine as the inspiring, intellectually rich profession it really is.
I try to face this by teaching, mentoring, and showing young colleagues that general practice is not a “fallback option” - it’s the foundation of healthcare and one of the most meaningful careers a doctor can have.
A Vision for Primary Care: Integrating Prevention and Human Touch
Looking ahead, what changes or innovations would you like to see in primary care in Europe?
I would love to see prevention and mental health become truly integrated into everyday primary care. So often, we still treat disease instead of supporting health. I dream of a system that gives family doctors time to talk, listen, and educate - because that’s how we can really change lives.
Technology can help us, but empathy, presence, and human touch must remain at the center of care.
Advice for New Doctors: The Power of a Conversation, a Smile, or Simply Being There
What advice would you give to young doctors considering a career in family medicine?
If you want to make a real difference in people’s lives - choose family medicine. It will challenge you, move you, and sometimes exhaust you, but it will also fill your heart.
Be curious. Keep learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And remember – sometimes the most powerful medicine is not a pill, but a conversation, a smile, or the simple act of being there for someone.
Recommended Reading: Mental Models and The Power of Storytelling
Which book are you reading now and do you recommend it?
I usually read several books at the same time. Right now, it’s “The Great Mental Models” by Shane Parrish – a book that absolutely fascinates me. I believe that mental models can be beautifully applied in family medicine. They help us understand complex situations, make better decisions, and see patients in a broader, more human context.
I’m also reading a Slovak book with real stories of women living with breast cancer - full of courage, honesty, and hope. And for balance, I’m also reading Richard Osman’s new Thursday Murder Club novel, because I love detective stories and his wonderful British humour.