Diverse hands connect to form a globe, symbolizing international healthcare collaboration.

Global Health, Local Impact: How International Collaboration is Shaping the Future of Primary Care

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Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how the RCGP Junior International Committee is fostering a new generation of globally-minded GPs, transforming healthcare practices worldwide."


In an increasingly interconnected world, the landscape of healthcare is rapidly evolving. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Junior International Committee (JIC) stands at the forefront of this transformation, championing a global approach to primary care. Formed to harness the enthusiasm and expertise of early career GPs, the JIC is dedicated to fostering international health activities and preparing a new generation of healthcare providers for the challenges and opportunities of a multicultural world.

The JIC operates as a subcommittee of the RCGP International Committee, actively working to implement the RCGP's international strategy. Organized around several key working groups – including Education and Training, Research, Beyond Europe, Exchange, and Image – the committee focuses on driving impactful change across various domains of primary care. Three core areas of activity highlight the JIC's commitment to global health initiatives.

This article delves into the multifaceted efforts of the RCGP Junior International Committee, shedding light on its international networks, education and training programs, and collaborative partnerships. By fostering connections, promoting research, and supporting healthcare systems worldwide, the JIC is not only shaping the future of primary care but also making a tangible difference in communities around the globe.

Building Bridges: The Power of International Networks

Diverse hands connect to form a globe, symbolizing international healthcare collaboration.

One of the JIC's primary strengths lies in its robust international networks. Serving as the UK branch of the Vasco da Gama Movement (VdGM) – the WONCA Europe working group for new and future GPs – the JIC facilitates collaboration on numerous projects, most notably the Europe-wide reciprocal exchange program known as Hippokrates. This well-established program offers early career GPs a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in international healthcare settings through a 2-week observational placement in one of 27 member countries.

The Hippokrates exchange program is structured around the core curriculum statements of WONCA, ensuring a clear learning framework that aligns with the RCGP curriculum. Participants are encouraged to reflect on diverse aspects of primary care, from the management of healthcare systems to variations in consultation styles. This immersive experience broadens their understanding of global healthcare practices and fosters cross-cultural competency.

  • Enhanced Cross-Cultural Understanding: Gain insights into different healthcare systems and patient care approaches.
  • Professional Development: Structured learning based on WONCA and RCGP curriculum standards.
  • Global Networking: Connect with peers from 27 countries, building a valuable professional network.
  • Reflective Practice: Analyze and adapt various aspects of primary care from diverse perspectives.
In 2010 and 2012, the JIC secured a European Union grant through the Leonardo Lifelong Learning programme, providing bursaries to support UK participants in the exchange program. This funding enabled an additional 65 UK doctors to benefit from placements in general practice settings across Europe, demonstrating the JIC’s commitment to fostering international collaboration. The success of the JIC's exchange initiatives has spurred more VdGM countries to seek funding and emulate the JIC Exchange team's approach.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Global Primary Care

The RCGP JIC is poised to enter an exciting new phase, with several committee roles to be advertised in the autumn of 2014. This presents an opportunity for more healthcare professionals to get involved and contribute to the JIC’s mission of promoting global health and advancing primary care worldwide. For more information, interested individuals can watch a short video, contact Robin via email, or meet in person at the First5® Essentials or the RCGP conference. The JIC’s ongoing efforts promise to further strengthen international networks, enhance education and training, and foster meaningful partnerships that will ultimately improve healthcare outcomes on a global scale.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What is the RCGP Junior International Committee (JIC) and what is its main purpose?

The RCGP Junior International Committee (JIC) is a subcommittee of the RCGP International Committee. Its primary goal is to promote a global approach to primary care and prepare a new generation of healthcare providers for the challenges and opportunities of a multicultural world. The JIC achieves this by fostering international health activities and implementing the RCGP's international strategy.

2

How does the JIC facilitate international collaboration, and what role does the Vasco da Gama Movement (VdGM) play?

The JIC facilitates international collaboration through robust international networks, most notably as the UK branch of the Vasco da Gama Movement (VdGM), which is the WONCA Europe working group for new and future GPs. This connection enables the JIC to collaborate on projects such as the Hippokrates exchange program. This program allows early career GPs to gain firsthand experience in international healthcare settings.

3

Can you explain the Hippokrates exchange program and its benefits?

The Hippokrates exchange program, facilitated by the JIC as part of the VdGM, offers early career GPs a unique opportunity to gain experience in international healthcare. Participants undertake a 2-week observational placement in one of 27 member countries. The program is structured around the core curriculum statements of WONCA and the RCGP curriculum, allowing participants to reflect on various aspects of primary care, including healthcare systems and consultation styles. The benefits include enhanced cross-cultural understanding, professional development, global networking opportunities, and reflective practice.

4

How has the JIC supported the Hippokrates exchange program financially, and what impact did this have?

The JIC secured a European Union grant through the Leonardo Lifelong Learning programme in 2010 and 2012. This grant provided bursaries to support UK participants in the Hippokrates exchange program. This funding enabled an additional 65 UK doctors to benefit from placements in general practice settings across Europe. This success spurred more VdGM countries to seek funding and emulate the JIC Exchange team's approach.

5

What are the key areas of focus for the RCGP Junior International Committee (JIC), and how does it plan to shape the future of global primary care?

The JIC focuses on several key working groups: Education and Training, Research, Beyond Europe, Exchange, and Image. These groups are dedicated to driving impactful change across various domains of primary care. The JIC is poised to enter an exciting new phase, with several committee roles to be advertised to strengthen international networks, enhance education and training, and foster meaningful partnerships. These efforts will ultimately improve healthcare outcomes on a global scale.

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