World Family Doctor Day (FDD) – 19th May: was first declared by WONCA in 2010 and it has become a day to highlight the role and contribution of family doctors and primary care teams in healthcare systems around the world.
WONCA is an unusual, yet convenient acronym comprising the first five initials of the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians. WONCA’s short name is the World Organization of Family Doctors
This celebration is the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the central role of Family Doctors in the delivery of personal, comprehensive and continuing health care for all the patients. It’s also a chance to celebrate the progress being made in family medicine and the special contributions of primary care teams globally.
Family Doctors are present at all times, and continuity is a fundamental feature of their work. They continuously provide care in all stages of patients’ lives, and throughout the big and small moments. Continuity is also present in care through the ongoing follow-up carried out to patients, where coordination with other levels of care and health care professionals is crucial. Lastly, continuity represents their constant preparation and skills development, uninterrupted research, and the ability to adapt and build resilience to change, technologies, methodologies, and educational strategies.
Family doctors and primary care professionals are there, wherever and whenever needed. Always at the front line — in war, health crises, and times of peace. They are part of the communities they work with, proactively reaching and engaging with members, sharing their core values, creating a unique connection with their patients, and building bonds of trust.
Delivering accessible, equitable, sustainable, high-quality care is Family Doctors’ raison d’etre. Being a Family Doctor is both a privilege and a responsibility, always looking after people and providing what is necessary for their welfare and protection, identifying their patients’ needs to guarantee the fundamental right to health.
Sustaining Life 