From the Editor: June 2021

WONCA News June is here!

May and June were quite active months in the WONCA Family, especially with the celebrations of World Family Doctor Day, on 19 May and all the activities around this meaningful date; the participation of the WONCA delegation in the 74th World Health Assembly, headed by Dr Viviana Martinez-Bianchi; and the multiple efforts of our Working Parties and Special Interest Groups in the past weeks. June also marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Professor Barbara Starfield—probably the most influential figure in primary care and family medicine—to whom we dedicate this issue as a tribute to her legacy.

In This Edition

WONCA NEWS June includes crucial information related to the WONCA World Conference 2021. After thoughtful discussions, our Executive Committee has decided to bring this event fully ONLINE to the convenience of your screen from 22 to 27 November 2021. Read the official announcement about the Online WONCA World Conference 2021 here, and the official announcement of our virtual Council meeting here.

“In these uncertain times, we have had to find ways to continue our work” — In his column for June, WONCA President Dr Donald Li describes the adaptation process and the adoption of new technologies to face Covid19 challenges and continue our mission. “From the President” discusses the details related to our successful Extraordinary General Meeting and the voting process in which our Member Organizations participated to allow online council meetings.

This edition for June also contains information about the participation of the WONCA delegation in the 74th World Health Assembly, headed by Dr Viviana Martinez-Bianchi; along with all the relevant news from our Working Parties and Special Interest groups, such as the latest free access articles for a month, promoted by our Working Party on Education, the new musical project of our Working Party on Mental Health; and the last entry of "Ageing Lines" from our WONCA Special Interest Group on Ageing and Health. Our monthly Featured Doctor section is also back! This time showcasing the efforts and contributions of Dr Hina Jawaid from Pakistan.

As mentioned, our June edition represents a special tribute dedicated to Professor Barbara Starfield, a family medicine legend whose remarkable work and contributions positively influenced the perception of Primary Care as a fundamental element for communities’ well-being and global health. It has been a decade since Professor Starfield passed away on 10 June 2011. Today we honour her memory and legacy with a special section full of inspiring stories, personal anecdotes and heartfelt messages from WONCA members and close colleagues. Here, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr Karen Kinder for her support and to everyone who made this tribute possible! Discover this emotional tribute here.

Lastly, I would like to invite everyone, who one way or another, were part of World Family Doctor Day celebrations worldwide! Please send your activities and reports regarding this important date, and don't miss out on the special edition dedicated to #WFDD2021 in our WONCA News July!

I hope you enjoy this special issue and please remember that you can drop me a line (or an article!) at [email protected]

Happy reading, and Stay Safe!