In establishing a primary care research framework at our institution, obstacles had to be overcome to succeed. The Center for Evidence Based Medicine has proven to be mutually beneficial to teachers and learners by revitalizing our professional commitment to perpetual learning. Future goals are to demonstrate its benefit to patients through research. The practice-based research network, NorTex, has started a two-way exchange of ideas between physicians and communities that will transform both traditions. Yet, stronger ties are needed with the communities and to ensure that the research conducted is a reflection of their needs. Finally, the primary care clinical research fellowship program has graduated its first student and it is currently training eight other students who will sustain the family medicine research culture in the future.
Institutions have their own strengths and weaknesses. The intention of the proposed framework is not for it to be duplicated, but rather to be molded to fit a department's environment, infrastructure, and needs. Our primary recommendation to departments of family medicine is to acquire support from all members in the department, including the chair and dean(s) of the medical school. The "return-on-investment" can be measured through published manuscripts, state and national conference presentations, and federal and non-federal funding. These achievements result in institutional recognition at the local, state, and national levels. It is imperative that resources are allocated to establishing a research division, including space, faculty time, and a designated administrative assistant and research associate. With these basic resources and support the research framework has the opportunity for growth.
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