This document has been endorsed by the American Academy of Family Physicians and was developed in cooperation with the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Practice Residency Directors and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. Research and scholarly activity are increasingly important components of family medicine education. Research and scholarly activity are broadly defined in the context of training family physicians.
Research is a process or activity in which knowledge is tested or developed.
Scholarly activity refers to an oral or written presentation that reflects a thorough and critical collection of knowledge. The audience for scholarly activity on the part of residents may be faculty, peers, medical students or the public. An appreciation and understanding of the role of research in clinical care. A desire to critically evaluate clinical care as evidence-based. Use Index Medicus or other literature-indexing sources.