The 2003 Wonca European region conference is going to take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia from June 18 - 21. The theme of the conference is going to be 'The Future Challenges of General/Family Practice'. Family medicine has in the past been able to to demonstrate its importance as a central discipline in health care and in academia. To remain relevant and central, we need to continue to look to the future. New developments in medicine and society bring new health problems and challenges that we are going to have to face. Family medicine has always been able to respond to the new challenges. This conference will focus on those new and future challenges in health and health, on the future role of the family doctor and on the new knowledge and skills we will need to learn.

We are pleased to report that 600 abstracts by 500 authors from 50 different countries were submitted for the Wonca meeting in Ljubljana. There is hardly any doubt that the main topics of the conference would be properly addressed, including: Lifestyle problems, Acute Problems, Communication with patients, New Technologies, and Quality and Humor in medicine. The large number of invited plenary lectures, symposia, workshops, demonstrations, freestanding paper sessions and poster exhibitions will offer a variety in interesting scientific and educational experiences for the conference participants.

The venue of the conference will be Ljubljana, the scenic capital of Slovenia. The country is situated in central Europe, in the southern portion of the mountainous Alps. It is a land of friendly people with a population of two million. The country has experienced rapid development since its independence in 1991 that can be envied by many other countries. Ljubljana is the heart of the political, economic, cultural and scientific life of the Slovene nation and has a reputation of being a modern town and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

The organizing committee is proud to report that the President of the Republic of Slovenia and the Mayoress of Ljubljana have put the opening ceremony on their agenda and have gracefully accepted the hosting of the conference. The social program is acquiring its final touches. Besides the previously announced social events, several small happenings and surprises are being carefully arranged. So, apart from the grand opening, the ethnic evening, the ente church concert, the gala dance and several pleasure trips there may be even some riverboat cruises, pantomime sessions, a live national costume exhibition, the world champions in dance and… well, we have to keep a few secrets!

Do come and be a part of Wonca 2003. Slovenia, the beautiful country in the heart of Europe is just waiting to be discovered by you. The nice climate, many natural beauties, the friendly people and safety are all reasons why Slovenia is worth visiting in 2003! . It will be a wonderful experience that you will like to remember! And, it would be our greatest honour to host you, too.

Dr Igor Svab
Wonca Europe 2003 Chair of Program Committee
Vice President, Wonca Region Europe
Igor.svab@gov.si

Nena Kopèavar Guèek, MD
Wonca Europe 2003 Chair of Social Program Committee
nenagucek@hotmail.com