Research and practice combined--ideas for a life in general practice.

Abstract: The modern era of research in general practice is scarcely more than half a century old. The author has been fortunate enough to be part of this development for more than three decades, sharing his professional life between clinical practice and research. Here is the story. All clinical care should be supported and developed by research evidence, and some of it must be collected where the care is performed. Research may improve the theoretical understanding underlying practice. Some patients probably receive better care because their general practitioner has done research, or their GP has attended a meeting or read an article by a research-minded colleague.