A divisional approach to enhancing research among osteopathic family practice residents

There is an increasing demand to expose osteopathic family practice residents to research. Within the Department of Family Medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth-Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Division of Education and Research (DEAR) was developed in 1999. The primary focus of DEAR is to provide the necessary resources and knowledge for faculty members and residents to conduct research and accomplish scholarly activities. Guidelines are implemented to ensure the timeliness, efficiency, and completion of each resident's paper. The efficacy of DEAR's policies is evaluated annually through surveying the residents, tracking paper submissions to the resident director, and tracking publications and presentations. The expectation of DEAR's resident research component is full completion of a resident paper suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal before graduation. Initial evaluation suggests positive strides toward reaching this goal. Future successes will be determined by monitoring the next few years.