European Parliament event on the future of Family Medicine / General Practice

EJD at the European Parliament: Addressing Challenges for General Practitioners and Family Physicians in Europe

European Junior Doctors (EJD) actively participated in a significant event titled "Present and Future Challenges Facing General Practitioners / Family Physicians in Europe." Hosted by Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Romana Jerković and organized by the European Association of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (UEMO), the event took place at the European Parliament.

The discussions focused on key issues impacting junior doctors, particularly emphasizing the recognition of Family Medicine as a specialty throughout the European Union. It was highlighted how essential a robust primary care system is, both for the sustainability of healthcare systems and the achievement of universal health coverage.

Representing the EJD, President Álvaro Cerame presented valuable insights into the perspectives of young physicians regarding the current workforce situation, exploring effective methods for recruitment and retention. Additionally, he presented crucial findings from the recent EJD study, "From Tradition to Transition," which explores significant shifts within medical training and practice.

The event featured other prominent speakers, including MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis, who urged EU political leaders to prioritize healthcare, patients, and healthcare professionals in their agendas. Katarzyna Ptak from the European Commission discussed significant milestones and ongoing initiatives in the field of the healthcare workforce.

Ole Johan from the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) highlighted the importance of continued efforts toward the recognition of specialties, cautioning against task shifting as a mere cost-saving measure rather than a true improvement in healthcare delivery. Meanwhile, Sara Ares advocated for enhanced cohesion in data systems across EU member states and encouraged greater investment in primary care research.

EJD expresses sincere gratitude to the event organizers, notably Tiago Villanueva and Catarina Matias, as well as host MEP Romana Jerković, for their efforts in making this productive discussion possible.