Prague’s tangle of cobbled lanes and secret courtyards is pure bliss for the aimless wanderer; it flirts with you and your path always beckons you to adventure further. But today, as the sun rose over the sleepy Vltava river, I was not an aimless wanderer. I was heading to the Prague Congress Centre to present at the World Organization of Family Doctors’ (WONCA) annual conference. And when I arrived, I realised that my attention would be distracted from the awakening city by some awe-inspiring presentations.
‘Growing Together in Diversity’ was an apt theme for the conference. Its echoes of the official European Union (EU) motto — ‘United in Diversity’ — were no mistake. As I glanced a look at the name tags down the row of fellow doctors I sat among, I could not believe the range of nationalities. My 2-hour flight paled into insignificance when I realised I was sitting next to a Kiwi.
The presentations were a treasure trove of learning. Viewing general practice through the eyes of a different culture offered me a novel take on my own medicine. Diversity enhances creativity. It encourages a fresh perspective, leading to healthier decision making and problem solving. The fusion of backgrounds at the conference provided a platform for knowledge sharing and the exchange of ideas.
As the UK ship slowly sails away from the EU, the need to embrace togetherness has never rung so true. In the words of the much-loved Czech writer Kafka — ‘paths are made by walking’. Let’s keep talking to keep dialogue open. Let’s keep meeting to keep links alive.
And speaking of paths. As I ambled home through the city that evening, my path weaved through every imaginable architectural form. Spindly Gothic adornments sat proudly alongside Baroque churches. Painted Renaissance houses studded the old town, while ancient stone bridges spanned the Vltava river.
It is a delight to wander among the cobbled lanes and secluded courtyards of this beguiling city and I was glad of a few extra days to explore the mystique this beautiful city holds.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2017