The Association of Family Physicians of Kosovo held the 9th edition of the International Conference on Family Medicine on May 14–15, 2025, bringing together over 250 participants from across Kosovo. With the overarching theme “Family Medicine: Challenges and Innovations,” the conference served as a platform to explore the evolving landscape of family medicine in Kosovo.
The two-day event brought together around 50 local and international experts who shared their insights on a wide range of issues in primary health care. Among the distinguished speakers was Dr. Richard Vautrey, President of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), who delivered a compelling keynote address on the future of family medicine. Another highlight was Professor Johnny Lyon-Maris, who presented the utilization of artificial intelligence in family medicine in the UK, offering a forward-looking perspective on digital transformation in healthcare.
The conference sessions addressed various timely and critical topics, including chronic disease management, innovations and ongoing challenges in primary health care, as well as lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the integration of video consultations into regular practice. Presentations also covered insights from the KOSCO study, adolescent-friendly services, sexual health, emergency care, and preventive approaches focusing on nutrition and physical activity. The importance of patient satisfaction in improving the quality and accessibility of primary health care was also a recurring theme throughout the event.
In addition, a dedicated workshop explored the ongoing process of selecting a family doctor in Kosovo. The session focused on assessing whether family doctors are prepared for this transition and identifying the necessary steps to better inform and educate citizens about the registration process.
Now in its ninth edition, the conference continues to be a national platform for advocacy, knowledge sharing, and learning new practices in family medicine.
This conference, among other donors, was supported by the Accessible Quality Healthcare (AQH) Project, which is founded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Swiss TPH. Our ongoing collaboration with the Association of Family Physicians of Kosovo highlights our shared commitment to advancing integrated, people-centered healthcare and reinforcing the vital role of family medicine in Kosovo.