Wes Fabb Oration Award

Dr. Donald Li, GBS, JP
MBBS FHKAM (Family Medicine) FHKCFP FRCGP FRACGP

Dr. Donald Li is a specialist in Family Medicine and private practice in Hong Kong and Mainland China. He is the Chairman of the Elderly Commission of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Censor of the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians. Dr. Li is a Past President of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) and Hong Kong Academy of Medicine.

Dr. Li is Honorary Clinical Professor in Family Medicine and Primary Care of The University of Hong Kong, Honorary Clinical Professor in Family Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Honorary Professor of Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University.

Dr. Li is an active member of many governmental, non-government organization and public health bodies in Hong Kong and Globally. He is the Chairman of Action Committee Against Narcotics of Narcotics Division of Security Bureau, member of the Primary Healthcare Commission, Honorary Consultant of Department of Health, Director of the Hong Kong St. John Ambulance Association, Honorary Steward of Hong Kong Jockey Club. Dr. Li remains active in WONCA activities especially in finances, digital health and emerging primary models of family medicine.

Wes Fabb Oration: From Birth to Wisdom: The Healthy Ageing of Family Medicine

This Wes Fabb Oration reflects on the parallel journeys of family medicine and the human life course.

As individuals mature from youth to wisdom, family medicine has evolved from a fledgling discipline into a cornerstone of equitable, person‑centred healthcare worldwide.

Drawing on lifelong experience in clinical practice and education, this address explores how ageing—of both practitioners and populations—has shaped the specialty’s commitment to continuity, comprehensiveness, and holistic care across generations.

It also considers the contemporary challenges facing family medicine, including workforce shortages, fragmentation of care, the undervaluation of generalist practice and the emergence of digital health and Artificial Intelligence.

In the spirit of WONCA and the legacy of Wes Fabb, the oration affirms that the maturity of family medicine carries both wisdom and responsibility: to advocate, to lead, and to safeguard its essential role in the health of communities around the world.

Date & Time: March 25, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Venue: ICON Main Hall
Click here to view the WONCA-APR 2026 Scientific Program.

What is the Wes Fabb Oration Award?

The Wes Fabb Oration Award is the most prestigious recognition conferred by the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) Asia Pacific Region. Established in 2002 in honor of Professor Wesley Earl Fabb, the first Chief Executive Officer of WONCA, the award celebrates a family physician who exemplifies excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing Family Medicine and General Practice in the region.

The awardee is chosen through a rigorous nomination and review process conducted by the WONCA APR Nominations and Awards Committee and endorsed by the Regional Council. The selected recipient delivers the Wes Fabb Oration during the Opening Ceremonies of the WONCA Asia Pacific Regional Conference, sharing insights and inspiration drawn from their professional journey.

Through this award, WONCA APR recognizes individuals whose work strengthens Family Medicine education, research, service and collaboration, reflecting the enduring legacy of Professor Wes Fabb.

WONCA-APR 2026 in Iloilo, Philippines, will mark the first time the Wes Fabb Oration is delivered in person in 12 years, since the 2014 conference in Malaysia. The Iloilo conference will also mark the second time the Philippines has the honor to host the Wes Fabb Orator, the first being in Cebu in 2011.

Previous Wes Fabb Orators: