The maturing of family medicine: challenges to behavioral science

For family medicine to maintain the unique creativity and risk taking that were present at its inception, behavioral scientists must be allowed to play, and be willing to assume, an essential role in the ongoing process of defining the field of family medicine, formulating its assumptions and asserting its future direction both in terms of academic research and clinical teaching. As co-creators and co-inspirers, behavioral scientists have the rare challenge of synthesizing their perspectives and values with those of the physicians with whom they work. It is to be hoped that through this interactive process, the practice of family medicine will continue to be an experience of real healing and wholeness for both patients and physicians.