Practical grantsmanship: the application process in health care research

The creation of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research presents expanded opportunities for research in primary care. This paper discusses the grant review process and includes section-by-section suggestions for successful proposal writing. Applicants should choose topics of their own interest, be aware of the funding agency's priorities, pick co-investigators who complement their own backgrounds and training, and perform at least some preliminary study of the topic which can be discussed in a proposal. Successful grantsmanship also requires patience, perseverance, and flexibility because several attempts may be necessary to receive funding.