Research in the family practice residency program.

Research activity in family practice is becoming increasingly important as the specialty matures past its initial organizational and developmental phase. Family practice residency programs are directly involved in the definition and implementation of modern concepts in family medicine and frequently have available the necessary tools and resources for substantive research of various types. These programs therefore have both the opportunity and responsibility to become actively involved in research. Significant contributions have already been made in this area by faculty and residents in a number of family practice residency programs. This paper provides an overview of research areas in family practice, presents some examples of research to date, and suggests some practical approaches to facilitate further research efforts in family practice residency programs.