The Luxembourg Association of Specialist Trainee Doctors (ALMEVS) focused its recent congress – organised in collaboration with partners from the Greater Region – on two key themes: cross-border cooperation with neighbouring countries and the advancement of training and research in general medicine. This year, more than 200 general practitioners from across Europe took part in the event.
At present, each country maintains its own system for training general practitioners. While collaborations already exist – notably between the universities of Nancy, Saarland, and Luxembourg – there is still significant room for improvement through exchanges and practical placements says Dr. Lisa Zangarini of ALMEVS, who also spoke of the importance of “drawing inspiration from one another.”
In Luxembourg, the emphasis on research in general practice is still relatively new. This shift began with the introduction of the Diplôme d’études spécialisées (DES), now offered at the University of Luxembourg.
Dr. Zangarini further spoke about how the introduction of the DES brought with it the intention to expand research opportunities in general medicine in Luxembourg. She also explained that many of the clinical guidelines currently used in the field originate from medical specialties and are largely based on hospital settings. However, those guidelines do not always reflect the day-to-day reality of general practice. General practitioners, she noted, manage illnesses differently, and patients often present in very different ways in a GP’s office compared to a hospital, where they have already passed through that part of the healthcare system.
Also according to Dr. Lisa Zangarini, research in general medicine must be both expanded and strengthened. Another key focus area is continuing medical education. Unlike in many other countries, such ongoing training is not currently mandatory for doctors in Luxembourg.
“We believe this should change in the future. Medicine is a constantly evolving science, so it’s essential for GPs, and all doctors in Luxembourg, to keep learning and exchanging knowledge,” she explained.
One pressing issue is the fact that around 30% of Luxembourg residents do not have a regular general practitioner, which represents a significant challenge for public health.
Dr. Zangarini continued: “When a patient has a GP, their life expectancy and quality of life improve. I believe many people simply don’t realise the benefits. A general practitioner takes a holistic approach – providing preventive care, diagnostics, follow-ups, and treatment, all in one place. That’s the real value of having a GP, even if it’s not always fully appreciated.”
The Ministry of Health’s campaign “I love my Hausdokter”, launched earlier this year, aims to raise awareness. But Dr. Zangarini believes there’s room to go further. For her, the benefits of having a GP should be communicated more scientifically because the data supporting it is available, and carries a stronger message.
