College on the International Stage

College on the international stage

Nearly 3,000 GPs from the UK and 179 different countries converged on London’s ExCel Centre for the College’s first-ever annual conference in partnership with the European branch of the World Association of Family Doctors, Wonca.

A stirring opening ceremony, including music from popular West End shows, launched a stimulating four days of plenaries, CPD, policy sessions, networking events and 1,200 individual abstracts and presentations.

Highlights included Professor Victoria Tkachenko, who joined remotely from Kyiv, to give a passionate, awe-inspiring and shocking account of trying to provide healthcare in the midst of the war on Ukraine – for which she received a well deserved standing ovation.

There were also keynote addresses from World Health Organization Director General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Wonca World President Dr Anna Stavdal, and Sir Michael Marmot with a European perspective on tackling health inequalities.

College Chair Martin Marshall used the real-life example of his patient ‘Mohammed’ to explore the theme of relationship based care, setting out a fivepoint plan to modernise and reinvigorate the concept and make it more attainably deliverable, while the profession battles on under immense and unsustainable pressure.

The Vibrant Faculties session led by College President Clare Gerada was standing room only, with a variety of contributions about the importance of belonging to your ‘local’ College.

The Ask the Chairs session – where Martin Marshall was joined by College leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – also drew a big crowd, with members’ concerns over visas for International Medical Graduate trainees a recurring theme.

Despite the difficulties being faced by primary care teams throughout Europe, a real sense of optimism and energy prevailed throughout the conference. College Vice Chair Margaret Ikpoh summed up the atmosphere with her rendition of the song ‘Something inside so strong’ at the closing ceremony.

”A big thanks to all delegates who took part, whether in person or virtually.”

RCGP Honorary Treasurer Steve Mowle, who led the organising team, said: ”The conference exceeded our expectations on all levels. It was a brilliant opportunity to share experiences with so many international colleagues, as well as highlighting the achievements of UK general practice and the commitment of hardworking GPs to the care of their patients, wherever in the world we practice.” •