Balint group leadership by a family physician in a residency program

The historical background of Balint groups is summarized. Specific details about initial recruitment of residents and establishment of guidelines for group function are discussed. The central importance of quality control to the leader is emphasized. Qualifications for a nonanalyst family physician group leader are suggested. Results of resident evaluations indicates the educational merit of such training. Balint training provides pragmatic, clinically-oriented research, which is fundamental for all family medicine residencies.