The Nordic Congresses of General Practice: A gateway to a global treasure?

Time is on my side, yes it is

“…This mixture has at times been very interesting as our family physicians bring home different ideas and expectations. We have also been grateful for the Nordic Congresses since they started in Copenhagen in 1979 [1]. This Nordic forum for family physicians enabling them to share their experiences and scientific work has had a great influence on family medicine in Iceland.…”

“…The ideology of family medicine built on ideas that primary care would become the foundation of a good healthcare service, an inexpensive, high-quality service for everyone, always and everywhere. In many ways this goal has been reached and today family physicians are probably the most socially concerned doctors and regard themselves as patients' advocates as well as guardians of the welfare system [1].…”

Taking a doctorate in family medicine in the Nordic countries

“…We have done this over the years through our common journal [1], but also through our joint congresses every other year [3]. Sweden and Denmark have also had shared courses to recruit researchers [4].…”

Addressing the future role of general practice at the 16th Nordic Congress in Copenhagen 2009: How can we ensure sustainable care in a complex world of evidence, context, organization, and personal care?

“…The vision of the Nordic Congresses appeals to all of us to reflect on the uniqueness of our professional environment and to keep our ambitions high both with regard to the scientific programme and the contributions to the Congress [1]. In the following we, the members of the scientific committee, present how we intend to fulfil that vision at the May 2009 Nordic Congress in Copenhagen.…”

“…The purpose of the Nordic Congresses is to strengthen the network and identity among Nordic general practitioners, and to facilitate research, teaching, and qualitative development within the Nordic countries [1,2]. The vision of the Nordic Congresses appeals to all of us to reflect on the uniqueness of our professional environment and to keep our ambitions high both with regard to the scientific programme and the contributions to the Congress [1].…”