Semergen National Congress Highlights Innovation, AI, and Mental Health Advancements with 5,000 Professionals in Attendance

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September 24, 2025

Madrid, Spain – more than 4,600 medical professionals have registered to participate in the 47th National Congress of the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (Semergen), scheduled to take place in Granada from October 8th to 11th. The congress will place notable emphasis on fostering innovation within primary care, exploring the potential of artificial intelligence, and addressing the growing concerns surrounding mental health.

A Multifaceted Program in Granada

The annual event will showcase the work of 432 speakers across 217 activities. These activities are divided into various formats, including 23 panel discussions, three symposia, 46 seminars, and two keynote addresses.Participants can also expect 122 hands-on workshops and courses centered on practical skills and digital tool utilization, alongside 21 “Speaker Corners” and a total of 3,500 submitted research communications.

Ana Cabrerizo, President of the Organizing Committee, highlighted a novel aspect of this year’s congress: the utilization of three venues. Events will be hosted at the Palace of Congresses of Granada, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Granada – with a specific focus on engaging students in the importance of Family Medicine – and the clinical simulation facilities of the IAVANTE Advanced Training Center.

Innovation as a cornerstone of Primary Care

Under the theme ‘Innovate to take care of: the challenge of primary care’, the congress aims to position innovation as a central pillar of its program. “The need for continuous professional development is paramount for family doctors,” Cabrerizo stated. “Our scope of practice is vast, and it is indeed essential that we remain informed about the latest scientific evidence.”

Seminars will aim to provide fresh perspectives on longstanding healthcare challenges.A specific session will focus on chronic pain management. Recognizing the limited advancements in pharmacological and technological approaches to chronic pain, the session hopes to catalyze new methods of care.

addressing Mental Health and Emerging Fields

Mental health will be a prominent focus, coinciding with World Mental Health Day on October 10th. Psychiatrist luis Gutiérrez Rojas will deliver the opening address, with subsequent panels and workshops addressing anxiety, depression, insomnia, addiction, dual diagnoses, and the effective management of psychiatric emergencies.

The Congress will also acknowledge the pressures faced by healthcare professionals, with discussions on burnout and instances of aggression towards doctors, underscoring the importance of protective measures for family physicians.

Furthermore, the program incorporates sessions on genomic medicine, precision medicine, adolescent gender-based violence, and the role of social media in personal healthcare and information access. Workshops will feature practical tools like clinical ultrasound and dermatoscopy. Public health seminars will cover adult vaccination, respiratory disease prevention, and the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

Key Congress details: A Snapshot

Feature	Details
Total Attendees	Over 4,600 Professionals
speakers	432
Activities	217
Workshops	122
Research Communications	3,500

The congress will also prioritize strengthening the patient-doctor relationship, analyzing the importance of thorough medical histories, and fostering effective teamwork in the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Advancing Research and Strategic Planning

Researchers will present findings from projects like phenomena-AP (focused on pulmonary disease), data from the Iberian study (identifying cardiovascular and renal risk factors in the Spanish population), the Impact cohort (following 200,000 individuals over 20 years), and studies on smoking cessation.

Semergen will also unveil its new strategic plan, featuring updated statutes, a transparent governance plan, and an ethical code for working groups, designed to ensure best practices in scientific rigor and participation.A dedicated roundtable will bring together regional health administrators and Semergen representatives to reassess the role of primary care within the Spanish healthcare system.

José Polo emphasized that Semergen goes beyond simply identifying problems. The institution plans to compile a extensive document outlining innovations and improvements for primary care, to be shared with healthcare services, at congresses, and in subsequent presentations.

The evolving Landscape of Primary Care

Primary care continues to face mounting challenges globally, including aging populations, increasing chronic disease prevalence, and workforce shortages. The integration of technology, such as telehealth and AI-powered diagnostic tools, is crucial for improving efficiency and access to care. According to a 2024 report by the World Health Organization, strengthening primary healthcare is essential for achieving worldwide health coverage. Investing in primary care not only improves individual health outcomes but also reduces overall healthcare costs.

Did you know? The US spends significantly less on primary care compared to other developed nations, often leading to higher rates of hospitalization and preventable illnesses.

Pro Tip: Regular check-ups with a primary care physician are essential for preventive care and early detection of health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions about Primary Care

1. What is the role of primary care? Primary care provides comprehensive, coordinated healthcare services, serving as the first point of contact for many individuals.
2. How is innovation impacting primary care? Innovation, particularly in areas like telehealth and AI, is improving access, efficiency, and quality of care.
3. Why is mental health important in primary care? Mental health conditions are often co-occurring with physical illnesses, making integrated care essential.
4. What is genomic medicine and how does it relate to primary care? Genomic medicine uses an individual’s genetic information to tailor medical care, allowing for more personalized treatment plans.
5. How does the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians contribute to healthcare? Semergen promotes research, education, and advocacy to improve the quality of primary care in Spain.
6. What are some key challenges facing primary care today? Challenges include workforce shortages, rising costs, and the need to adapt to new technologies.
7. How can I find a qualified primary care physician? Consult with your insurance provider or use online directories to locate a provider near you.

What advancements in primary care are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How can AI-powered diagnostic tools assist in teh early detection of diseases like skin cancer, as presented at the Semergen Congress?

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Primary Care

The recent Semergen National Congress, attended by over 5,000 healthcare professionals, underscored a meaningful shift towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into primary care.Discussions weren’t centered on AI replacing physicians, but rather on its potential to augment their capabilities, improving diagnostic accuracy and streamlining workflows. Several key themes emerged regarding AI in healthcare:

* AI-powered Diagnostic Tools: Presentations showcased AI algorithms capable of analyzing medical images (radiology, dermatology) with increasing precision, assisting in early disease detection. This includes applications in identifying subtle anomalies in X-rays and detecting skin cancers.

* Predictive Analytics for Patient Risk: AI is being utilized to predict patient risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease,allowing for proactive interventions and personalized preventative care. Predictive modeling is becoming a cornerstone of modern primary care.

* Automated Administrative tasks: AI-driven solutions are automating tasks like appointment scheduling, insurance claim processing, and medical record summarization, freeing up clinicians to focus on patient interaction. Healthcare automation is a major efficiency driver.

* Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Clinical documentation: NLP is enabling more efficient and accurate clinical documentation, reducing administrative burden and improving data quality.

mental Health Takes Center Stage: Addressing a Growing Crisis

A prominent focus of the Semergen Congress was the escalating mental health crisis and the need for innovative approaches to care. The discussions highlighted the importance of early intervention, integrated care models, and destigmatizing mental illness.Key takeaways included:

* integrated Mental Health Services: The need to integrate mental health services into primary care settings was repeatedly emphasized. This allows for easier access to care and reduces the stigma associated with seeking help. Collaborative care models are proving particularly effective.

* Telepsychiatry and Digital Mental Health: Telehealth and digital mental health tools (apps, online therapy platforms) are expanding access to care, particularly in underserved areas. The congress featured several presentations on the efficacy of these technologies.

* Early Detection of Mental Health Conditions: Training primary care physicians to recognize early signs of mental health conditions is crucial. Simple screening tools and brief interventions can make a significant difference. Mental health screening is becoming a routine part of primary care visits.

* Addressing Physician Burnout: Recognizing the impact of physician burnout on both individual well-being and patient care, the congress dedicated sessions to strategies for stress management and resilience.

Innovations in Chronic Disease Management

Beyond AI and mental health, the Semergen Congress showcased advancements in managing chronic diseases, a significant burden on healthcare systems.

* Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): RPM technologies, including wearable sensors and mobile apps, are enabling continuous monitoring of patients with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. This allows for timely interventions and prevents complications.

* Personalized Medicine Approaches: The congress explored the potential of personalized medicine, tailoring treatment plans based on individual patient characteristics, including genetics and lifestyle factors.

* digital Therapeutics: Digital therapeutics – evidence-based software programs used to treat medical conditions – are emerging as a valuable tool in chronic disease management. Examples include apps for managing diabetes and heart failure.

* Focus on Preventative Care: A strong emphasis was placed on preventative care strategies, including vaccination programs, lifestyle interventions, and early detection screenings.Preventative healthcare remains a cornerstone of effective healthcare systems.

The Role of Family Physicians in a changing Landscape

The Semergen Congress consistently reinforced the vital role of family physicians as the cornerstone of the healthcare system.Their ability to provide thorough, continuous care, build strong patient relationships, and coordinate care across specialties is more important than ever.

* Continuing Medical Education (CME): The importance of ongoing CME to keep family physicians up-to-date on the latest advancements in medicine was a recurring theme.

* Advocacy for Primary Care: The congress served as a platform for advocating for increased investment in primary care and policies that support family physicians.

* Interprofessional Collaboration: The need for greater collaboration between family physicians and other healthcare professionals (specialists,nurses,pharmacists) was highlighted. team-based care is essential for delivering high-quality care.

Practical Tips for Implementing AI and Digital Health Tools

For healthcare professionals looking to integrate these advancements into their practice:

1. Start Small: Begin with pilot projects to test the feasibility and effectiveness of AI and digital health tools.
2. Prioritize Data Security and Privacy: Ensure that any AI or digital health solution complies with relevant data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
3. Provide Adequate Training: Invest in training for staff on how to use and interpret data from AI and digital health tools.
4. Focus on Patient Engagement: Involve patients in the decision-making process and ensure they understand how these technologies are being used to improve their care.
5. Evaluate Outcomes: Regularly evaluate the impact of AI and digital health tools on patient outcomes and