Developing behavioral science for a family practice residency.

The development of behavioral science in a family practice residency has first to be structured around a statement of purpose and adequate goals. These goals can only be implemented when the purely custodial function of the medical profession is rejected and the ethical responsiblity of the physician to society is allowed to direct the role innovations that must be incorporated. It is the person of the physician as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool that must be cultivated. The curriculum presented has included behavioral science conferences, a one-month behavioral science rotation, a two-month orientation program, behavioral science clinical attendings, and a personal counseling program for each resident throughout the three years of training. To be complete, such a program requires the further refinement of behavioral objectives that allow reliable evaluation and redefinition by residents and faculty.