Staff physicians of the Division of Primary care medicine of the University Hospitals of Geneva selected 9 articles published in year 2009 based on that they either brought new insights into the handling of current medical problems or that they broadened current knowledge of complex situations in the ambulatory care setting. Their field covers medication treatment for depression, neuropathic pain, facial palsy, osteoporosis, congestive heart failure, as well as during pregnancy. Updates on cardiovascular prevention, on screening of alcohol abuse and on the impact of social determinants on health are also provided.