Rotating between Nordic countries every two years, the NCGP Congress was held in Turku from the 11th to the 14th of June, 2024. The congress brought together medical professionals to discuss the latest research in general practice, focusing particularly on the values and challenges of Nordic healthcare. The event saw 1,074 delegates from 21 countries.

Päivi Korhonen, Professor at the University of Turku and Chair of the Scientific Committee of the congress highlighted Turku as an ideal venue for a medical congress.

“Turku has a strong foundation in medical expertise and long-standing traditions in the field. Additionally, the city offers both historical charm and modern event facilities, making this congress especially successful.” 

The congress was hosted at Logomo, which provided modern and functional facilities for large-scale events. Logomo’s location near the city center and hotels allowed participants to move around easily on foot, aligning with the event’s environmental values. The congress dinner took place at the Ruissalo boatyard, with attendees arriving by ferry along the Aura River.

“We received a lot of positive feedback from international guests regarding Turku as an event city. Many were pleasantly surprised by the combination of history and modernity the city offers,” Korhonen states.

The congress featured a diverse program, including keynote speeches, symposia, and smaller workshops where participants could share their expertise and discuss current research topics.

The scientific content of the congress focused on the seven core values of Nordic general practice. Speakers and researchers discussed how these values are implemented in practical healthcare and how they can be further strengthened. Key values include but are not limited to continuity of care, patient-centeredness, and sustainable development. 

Additionally, the congress explored how healthcare systems can contribute to sustainable development and how healthcare professionals can work together against climate change. Sustainability was also integrated into the practical arrangements of the congress, including the focus on local food and low-emission logistics.

Other topics included the significance of continuity of care and the doctor-patient relationship, the risks of overdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures, the integration of palliative care into comprehensive healthcare, ethical questions in healthcare, and the challenges of healthcare digitalization.

The congress was organised by the University of Turku, in collaboration with the well-being services county of Southwest Finland, the Finnish Association for General Practice, and the Nordic Federation of General Practice. Aboa Events was responsible for the practical arrangements.

“Aboa Events was an invaluable partner. We wouldn’t have been able to manage all the details of organizing the congress without their expertise,” expresses Päivi Korhonen.

The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive.

“From the first keynote speech, the atmosphere was enthusiastic, and it was wonderful to see how the audience of over a thousand engaged actively in discussions,” Korhonen adds.

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Turku is one of the leading faculties in Finland, and its connections to the international scientific community create a solid foundation for successful events.

“We are proud to have brought this significant congress to Turku,” Korhonen concludes.

Turku is the perfect destination for congresses and meetings due to its modern infrastructure, academic excellence, beautiful surroundings, and venues for events of thousands of visitors. 

Turku Convention Bureau promotes Turku as a destination for international congresses and meetings. They also help with planning, ideas and advice related to venues, accommodation, transportation, social programme and activities in the Turku region. 

The original article can be viewed on the Visit Turku Archipelago website.
Text: Saga Tanner 
Photos: Niko Kotiranta