Polaris

Polaris

North America region young doctors

Announced on World Family Doctor Day, May 19, 2014, Polaris is the newest Young Doctor movement in WONCA.

Since its inception, WONCA has promoted various supportive environments for junior family medicine or general practice physicians. Such backing became even more evident with the introduction of regional young doctors' movements (YDM), the first being the Vasco da Gama Movement in 2005. Since then, each region has slowly but surely adopted its own version of the YDM – all regions except North America.

Several barriers, including strong national family physician academies, large distances, and limited knowledge of WONCA’s existence, stood in the way of such a movement in this part of the world. Initial interest after the 2010 WONCA World Conference in Cancun generated momentum for a North American YDM; however, the aforementioned barriers proved too formidable at the time.

At the 2013 WONCA World Conference in Prague, a renewed energy and desire for a North American YDM emerged. Furthermore, the timing for such a Movement proved perfect, secondary to continued global interconnectivity and the need for improved healthcare systems – among many other factors. The generation of physicians entering the profession today reached maturity in an increasingly globalized world where junior physicians more than ever want to "think globally and act locally."

With key support from the Caribbean, American, and Canadian professional family physician associations as well as the WONCA North America Regional President, Dr Ruth Wilson, the region launched its WONCA North America YDM in a strategic manner on May 19 – World Family Doctor Day.

The Movement’s formal name is Polaris, representing the brightest stellar body in the celestial sky seen by all those within the Northern Hemisphere. This star has served to lead travelers and seafarers during their journeys for centuries.

As generation gives way to generation, it is our hope that the Polaris and all YDMs together can help guide the profession forward into a bright future.

Kyle Hoedebecke, MD and John Parks, MD

Join the Polaris Movement

Convenor / Chair

Dr. Brunèe Dorsett (The Bahamas)

Dr. Brunèe Dorsett, a distinguished Family Physician based in Nassau, The Bahamas, stands at the forefront of healthcare leadership. Graduating from Acadia University and The University of the West Indies, her career is marked by a genuine dedication to preventive health advocacy. 
 
Dr. Dorsett's influence extends beyond clinical practice. Serving as the Chair of WONCA Polaris and the Young Doctors Movement representative for the WONCA Working Party on Education and WONCA Working Party on Women in Family Medicine, she actively shapes the culture of Family Medicine. Her leadership is rooted in a commitment to physician well-being and cultivating leadership skills within the medical community.
 
In the clinic, Dr. Dorsett embraces the comprehensive culture of Family Medicine, ensuring individualized and thorough care for her patients. Beyond her medical pursuits, she derives joy from playing the piano, exploring marine wonders through snorkeling, and engaging in innovative brainstorming.
 
Dr. Brunèe Dorsett's journey exemplifies an unwavering commitment to the well-being of individuals, communities, and the medical profession. Her multifaceted roles underscore the transformative impact of a compassionate and dedicated Family Physician in the academic and clinical spheres. 

 Email Chair

Co-Convenor or other office bearers

  • Rohini Pasricha (Canada) - Immediate Past Char/Secretary
  • Sanita Belgrave-King - Vice Chair
  • Maria Bianchi - ASPIRE Lead

Membership Open?

Vision and Mission

Objectives

News

Activities

WONCA Polaris has launched a podcast.
Listen to the first episode of empowerED:
https://podcasts.apple.com/be/podcast/empowered/id1729298923

Relevant Resources