A triumphant response to adversity

THE NORTH American Region of the World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA) is characterised by constituents and health systems that are mired in disparities driven by differences in socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, urbanisation, health system investments and climate change. This pandemic has served to heighten these divisions.

Notwithstanding these differences, family physicians have shown that they have the will, determination, and skills to overcome these challenges, while at the same time deliver holistic and comprehensive care to our patients, even at great risk to ourselves. In truth, as the poet Maya Angelou said in her poem:

“You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”

This triumphant response to adversity is a testament to the leadership roles that family physicians within the region, and indeed worldwide, have demonstrated throughout history and NOW.

Thus, on this World Family Doctor Day 2020, I salute the global family medicine community for their courage, sacrifice and leadership embodied in our theme this year: ‘Family doctors on the front line: First in Last out’. MARVIN REID President

WONCA, North American Region

CONTRIBUTED Attendees at the eighth Pan Caribbean Triennial Conference 2020 held on February 28 to March 1 at the Alhambra Inn pause for a photo. Front row (from left): David Miguel, Drs Maxine Cargill, Pauline Williams-Green, Seni Ononuju, Aileen Standard-Goldson, Aldyth Buckland, Arna Brown Morgan, Arlene Henry Dawkins and Glenville Liburd. Back row (from left): Dr Andrea Purai, Prof Marvin Reid, Drs Garth Rattray and Christopher Beaubrun.