These differences, plus the variation in the scores obtained by the candidates on the three instruments, support the decision of the Quebec licensing organization to use them in complementarity. The traditional dichotomy between research and clinical medicine persists today, despite an identified clinical mission for research. As part of an effort to build the research capacity of family practice training programs, a telephone survey was administered in August 1995 to the program directors of all residency programs listed in the American Academy of Family Physicians 1995 Directory of Family Practice Residency Programs. The directors were asked about their program's research environment, features designed to promote research activity, and the level of resident research productivity. Three out of four indicated that involving residents in research is a goal of their program.
Research appears to be developing a limited role in family practice training programs.
Resident research productivity remains relatively low and may be a result of residency programs not providing specific time for participating in research. However, the program directors' supportive attitudes may contribute to research and scholarly activity becoming an integral part of a family physician s training. The use of cold preparations for children younger than age 5 is not evidence based. Twenty-six percent of all patients seen were given unnecessary and potentially harmful medication. Various combinations of antihistamines, decongestants, and antitussives were most commonly prescribed.