A contractual model for accountability and financial stability in a community-based family practice residency.

A contractual model is described that defines the relationship between the hospital and the Department of Family Practice. The model provides institutions supporting graduate training in family practice with a method that is accountable and cost effective. Application of this model at a community hospital over a five-year period is presented. The model resulted in expansion of the family practice residency, increased faculty numbers, increased income for the faculty, and control of the institution's cost of graduate medical education.