WONCA WFDD CARIBBEAN

From the shores of Antigua to the hills of Jamaica, family doctors across the Caribbean have stepped up to mark WFDD 2025 in powerful & creative ways. Under the theme “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,” each country brought its own flavour through health fairs, school visits, walkathons, wellness talks, & heartfelt community outreach. Click through to explore how our islands united in purpose and passion to uplift primary care & celebrate our regional heroes

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Tobago – WFDD 2025 Highlights

Theme: Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World

In Trinidad & Tobago, a country rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty, family doctors and general practitioners are essential in ensuring the health and well-being of all citizens. GPs in this twin-island nation serve as trusted community leaders, guiding patients through not only physical ailments but also the growing awareness of mental health and the need for mental resilience, especially in the face of challenges such as economic shifts, natural disasters, and societal pressures.

For World Family Doctor Day 2025, Tobago joined the global celebration under the theme:
“Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World.”
This year's observance highlighted the vital role of family doctors in addressing mental health, offering support, education, and practical tools for fostering resilience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2b7hsGZCT4

🩺 WFDD 2025 Activities in Tobago

Continuing Medical Education Activity – Family hosted on May 18, 2025 at the Magdalena Grand Hotel, Lowlands, Tobago, TT under the Theme Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World. Below is a summary of the event.

CARIBBEAN COLLEGE OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS – TOBAGO CHAPTER

Conference Report: Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World

Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Venue: Tobago

Host: CCFP Tobago Chapter

The Tobago Chapter of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP) successfully hosted its annual medical education conference on Sunday, May 18, 2025, under the compelling theme “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World.” The conference brought together 72 attendees including physicians, allied health professionals, and other stakeholders committed to promoting mental health in the region.

The day began at 8:30 a.m. with registration, followed by an opening prayer from Dr. Agbai Dimgba. Attendees then observed the National Anthem before being welcomed by Dr. Fidelis Okali, President of the CCFP Tobago Chapter. Greetings were delivered by Dr. Faith Brebnor, Secretary of the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Security, and Dr. Delmon Baker, CEO of the Tobago Regional Health Authority.

The programme featured seven informative and impactful sessions:

Session 1: Anxiety – Dr. R. Bobb-Nicholas provided a clinical overview and patient-centered strategies.

Session 2: PTSD in Healthcare Workers – Dr. H. Benjamin focused on trauma exposure in medical settings.

Session 3: Depression and Suicide – Dr. Bobb-Nicholas returned with a sobering talk on early detection and intervention.

Session 4: Avoiding Burnout – D. A. Williams offered insights on balancing professional and personal wellbeing.

Session 5: Substance Abuse – Dr. Bobb-Nicholas discussed warning signs and treatment options.

Session 6: The Healthcare Worker as the Patient – Dr. Benjamin encouraged providers to prioritize their own health.

Session 7: How to Prepare for Retirement – Ms. T. Alonzo closed with practical planning tips for life after medicine.

To maintain engagement and uplift spirits throughout the day, over 30 door prizes were distributed—before the coffee break, after lunch, and just prior to the vote of thanks. Special thanks are extended to Denk Pharma and TATIL, both of whom generously contributed to the prize giveaways.

During the lunch break, attendees were treated to live entertainment by a talented saxophonist, providing a relaxing and enjoyable interlude.

A special token and certificate of appreciation were presented to the Denk Pharma representative, in recognition of her unwavering support at every single CCFP Tobago Chapter conference to date.

The event closed with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Jillian John-Taylor, who acknowledged the speakers, sponsors, attendees, and organizers for making the event a success.

The Tobago Chapter of the CCFP expresses deep appreciation to everyone who contributed to this enriching and empowering day. Together, we continue to build a more resilient and mentally healthy healthcare community.

#MentalResilience #CCFPTobago #HealthcareWellbeing #FamilyMedicine #TobagoDoctors

📸 Photo Highlights

🖼️ Doctors attending Continuing Medical Education Conference on May 18, 2025 at the Magdalena Grand Hotel, Lowlands, Tobago under the Theme – Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World
🖼️ Doctor making presentation to Chapter members.

🤝 Honouring Tobago’s Family Doctors

In Trinidad & Tobago, family doctors continue to play a critical role in shaping the nation's approach to primary care and mental health. Through their leadership in WFDD 2025, they demonstrated that mental resilience is built upon understanding, accessibility, and community support. The celebrations reinforced the importance of integrating mental health into primary care and affirmed that by working together, we can create a healthier, more resilient society.

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines – WFDD 2025 Highlights

Theme: Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World

From the bustling streets of Kingstown to the peaceful islands of the Grenadines, family doctors and general practitioners across Saint Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) continue to serve as vital pillars of health and wellness in their communities. With a deep understanding of local culture, geography, and socioeconomic realities, GPs in SVG provide holistic care, often bridging the gap between physical and mental health in resource-constrained settings.

This year, SVG proudly joined the regional and global community to celebrate World Family Doctor Day 2025 under the timely and transformative theme:
“Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World.”

🩺 WFDD 2025 Activities in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines

Dr. Kimlyn Scott-Williams – St. Vincent and the Grenadines

“Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World” WFDD May 19^th 2025

As healthcare professionals, we witness firsthand the profound impact of a rapidly changing world on the mental well-being of our patients. From the anxieties fueled by global uncertainties to the stress stemming from rapid technological and societal shifts, the demand on our psychological reserves is significant. Building mental resilience is not merely a desirable trait; it’s a crucial aspect of overall health and a vital preventative measure against a spectrum of mental health challenges.

From a clinical standpoint, mental resilience can be understood as a dynamic interplay of biological, psychological, and social protective factors that buffer against the negative consequences of adversity. Individuals with higher levels of resilience demonstrate a greater capacity to adapt to stress, maintain psychological equilibrium, and recover from challenging experiences. Conversely, a lack of resilience can increase vulnerability to conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and even physical health problems exacerbated by chronic stress.

I want to emphasize that building mental resilience in our rapidly evolving world is a shared journey. Just as patients navigate personal challenges amidst constant change, we too must adapt and learn within this dynamic landscape. Our role as healthcare providers extends beyond treating mental illness to actively promoting mental wellness and resilience within our communities. This involves several key strategies:

1. Educating Patients on Stress Management Techniques:

Ÿ Guidance on the importance of regular physical activity, documented benefits include mood regulation and stress reduction.

Ÿ Promoting healthy sleep hygiene is also critical, as sleep deprivation significantly impairs emotional regulation and cognitive function.

Ÿ Introducing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can help individuals develop greater self-awareness and the ability to calm the nervous system during stressful moments.

2. Fostering Social Support Networks: Research consistently demonstrates the protective effect of strong social connections on mental health. As clinicians, we can encourage patients to nurture their relationships with family and friends and to actively participate in community activities.

3. Promoting Cognitive Restructuring: Helping patients identify and challenge negative or maladaptive thought patterns and encouraging a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for learning and development.

4. Emphasizing the Importance of Self-Care: Beyond basic health behaviors, self-care encompasses activities that bring joy, relaxation, and a sense of personal fulfillment eg. pursuing hobbies, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative expression.

5. Recognizing and Addressing Early Warning Signs: Early identification of mental health difficulties is paramount. We must be vigilant in screening for symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly in individuals facing significant life changes or chronic stressors. Early intervention can prevent the escalation of mental health issues and promote resilience.

Antigua and Barbuda – WFDD 2025 Highlights

Theme: Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World

Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation known for its turquoise waters and warm hospitality, is also home to a vibrant medical community committed to advancing primary health care. At the heart of this commitment are the nation’s family doctors and general practitioners — highly skilled professionals who provide comprehensive, continuous, and compassionate care to patients of all ages.

The country’s healthcare system is a blend of public and private sectors, with family doctors serving on the front lines in both urban clinics and rural health centres. Their work spans preventive care, chronic disease management, maternal and child health, and increasingly, mental health support — an area gaining urgent attention in today’s fast-changing world.

On World Family Doctor Day 2025, Antigua and Barbuda joined the global celebration under the theme:
“Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World.”

Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World – A Family Physician’s Perspective

By Dr. J. Humphreys, MD, MSc IM (Edin), MPhil PPA (Health Policy), MDiv, ThD, PhD, MCCFP, MEAACI, FFM, FICPS, FMC

As a family physician and health care provider for the past twenty years, the theme “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World” speaks directly to the heart of our role in navigating uncertainty—both for ourselves and our patients. The world around us is evolving rapidly, with shifting socio-economic landscapes, public health challenges, climate-related stressors, and digital overload. These changes profoundly impact mental well-being, making resilience not just a concept, but a necessary tool for survival and growth.

To me, mental resilience means the ability to adapt, recover, and maintain balance in the face of adversity. It is not about the absence of stress or struggle, but rather the presence of strength, adaptability, hope and the ability to cope without distractions from one’s normal life. In a time when burnout and emotional fatigue are prevalent among both patients and healthcare professionals, cultivating resilience is not only essential, but critical.

In my daily practice, I incorporate the principles of mental resilience through empathetic listening, creating a safe space for open dialogue, and reinforcing self-care as a pillar of health. I guide patients in recognizing their strengths, building coping strategies, and accessing support systems. Whether through brief mindfulness techniques, promoting community engagement, or encouraging work-life balance, I aim to empower individuals to regain control amidst chaos. To do this, I had to be proactive in equipping myself with the relevant training, through certifications as a mental health provider and trainer of trainers in psychosocial support and psychological first aid. Moreover, I had to be an exemplary leader by forging mental health resilience into my own psychological construct. I, therefore, prioritize my own well-being through reflection, peer support, and maintaining boundaries, acknowledging that I must care for myself before I can care effectively for others.

Within my community, I advocate for mental health education, protection gender and inclusion, and de- stigmatization, recognizing that resilience is not built in isolation. These aims are pursued within my personal capacity as well as in my capacity as the President of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society.

In this changing world, our greatest tool is our humanity. By fostering mental resilience, we not only support recovery but help our patients and communities thrive. As we celebrate World Family doctor Day 2025, let this theme serve as a timely reminder that in the face of uncertainty, we can choose to be anchors of strength, compassion, and continuity. Blessed Love!