The family practice center provides an important and unique setting for training in family medicine. The total number of faculty, physician or otherwise, together with the ratio of faculty to residents, indicates the structure of the teaching environment in the family practice center. More detailed information about the level and quantity of teaching in the family practice center should be sought during the interview process. Variations exist between programs with regard to the amount of time spent with individual specialties. Documentation of procedures and illnesses can serve as an adjunct to obtaining hospital privileges upon graduation as well as providing an opportunity to evaluate one's educational experience.
Family practice provides many opportunities for research.
The extent to which this occurs is predicated upon the program's or the individual's interest. House staff organizations exist within many hospitals and residency programs. They provide a mechanism for cooperative involvement with other residents. Additionally, family practice residents are eligible for membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians. The AAFP sponsors a conference each year to which all family practice residents are invited.