BLOG: Celebrating the milestones, moments and meals | Master of Family Medicine Summer School

The 2025 Master of Family Medicine Summer School in Edinburgh, captured by Benard Kusienya, celebrated a decade of achievements, global collaboration, and sustainability, inspiring future leadership and advocacy in family medicine.

Benard Kusienya | Master of Family Medicine graduate

The Master of Family Medicine (MFM) Summer School 2025 event offered a unique and magical experience. On the one hand, it was a moment of rekindling connections, making new friends and seeking collaboration for new ideas and insights regarding family medicine practice on a global scale. On the other hand, it was a celebratory reflection of commitment, dedication and achievement for the MFM programme which has been successful for a decade now. 

All tutors, alumni, students, friends of the programme and invited speakers came together for one week in Edinburgh between 14-18 July for an event that was remarkable. Among the key note speakers were professors from the University including Professor David Weller and Professor Liz Grant. Once again, I was happy to meet with members of faculty at the Futures Institute including the Clinical Programme Director, Dr Robin Ramsay. 

Tutors, alumni and Family Medicine students during the Master of Family Medicine Summer School 2025 at the University of Edinburgh’s Futures Institute
Tutors, alumni and Master of Family Medicine students during the Summer School 2025 at The University of Edinburgh’s Futures Institute

Leadership, advocacy and sustainability

The aim of the event was to build the international community of practice by bringing together students, alumni and tutors from a variety of backgrounds and cultural contexts to participate in joint learning activities. The learning methodology was a blend of both formal learning and creativity components. Elites had an opportunity to meet and share insights regarding family medicine practice from a global perspective. On the first day of the event, the insights’ self-discovery and self-masterly component was the principal wheel of the personality drive. While looking at the insights discovery assessment and scores, I could realize the awakening experience that took place among us. What I learnt was that appreciating each of the four personality domains while working as a team is the key secret to achieving the goals for quality health care.

Tutors, alumni and Family Medicine students during the Master of Family Medicine Summer School 2025 at the University of Edinburgh’s Futures Institute
Benard (in red) and some of the participants during the Master of Family Medicine Summer school 2025 event at The University of Edinburgh’s Futures Institute

The celebration, the joy and the art of looking into the future!

The gathering that took place at Professor Liz Grant’s home on Thursday evening was monumental. It was a moment that affirmed the validation of the successful ten year journey of the programme and the achievements that had been realized over time. I loved everyone’s commitment to bring the celebration to its mood. My eyes kept on shifting towards the cake, even as I connected with friends and colleagues. After a series of conversations with colleagues, I finally I saw Dr Robin Ramsay with the knife heading towards the table where the cake was!

All eyes on the screen: tutors and students while at Professor Liz Grant’s in July 2025
All eyes on the screen: tutors and students while at Professor Liz Grant’s in July 2025

As we step into the future, MFM is undoubtedly advancing. Its ascending trajectory is incorporating the assets that clinicians require for advocacy including knowledge, skills, resources and relationships. The framework involving the components of 4Ps of sustainability (Person, Patient, Project and Planet) and project management’s SOCKS analysis (Strengths, Opportunities, Challenges, Knowledge and Stakeholders) forms the basis upon which the foundations of FM are supported.

As a family, we are moving into the future with confidence and enthusiasm. We are advocates, leaders and sustainability champions!