The National Family Medicine Strategic Plan for Research, a joint effort by NAPCRG and the Association of Departments of Family Medicine (ADFM), is gaining momentum. Since its launch at the October 2023 National Research Summit, the plan has seen significant advancements across its core areas: cultivating research talent, securing critical resources, and building essential infrastructure.

In September 2024, a full-time Research Coordinator (Shannon Robinson) was hired to implement the strategic plan, funded by a grant from the American Board of Family Medicine. This coordinator brings over 15 years of health care experience and academic credentials in sociology and public administration to guide the plan’s advancement over the next 5 years.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Family Medicine Researchers: Pathways and Mentorship

Significant strides have been taken to enhance career pathways and mentorship opportunities within family medicine research. Notably, NAPCRG and ADFM collaborated to launch a comprehensive online database hosted here: (NFMSPR - Family Medicine Database). This valuable resource currently catalogues over 160 academic family medicine research programs, aiming to encourage greater institutional support and facilitate entry into research careers.

The NAPCRG Trainee Committee continues to break down barriers for young researchers through targeted surveys, impactful publications, and dynamic workshops, notably at the AAFP’s Future of Family Medicine Conference and the upcoming 2025 NAPCRG Annual Meeting. Additionally, a collaborative mentor-mentee matching program, developed by NAPCRG and STFM, provides focused guidance to those entering family medicine research careers.

Amplifying Family Medicine’s Voice: Funding and Advocacy

Sustained advocacy has been pivotal to bolstering funding for family medicine research. Guided by recommendations from the influential 2021 National Academies report on primary care, STFM and the Academic Family Medicine Advocacy Committee (AFMAC) have actively pursued increased investments and championed the establishment of an NIH Office of Primary Care Research.

In partnership with the NIH, family medicine leaders have launched the CARE for Health initiative to evaluate a transformative “network of networks” model that integrates clinical research into primary care. Currently, 6 prominent research hubs anchor this initiative:

Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU): PRaCTICE Network, connecting rural practices across the Northwest

University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW): Wisconsin Research and Education Network (WREN)

West Virginia University (WVU): West Virginia Rural Roots to Research (WVR3) Network

University of Alabama – Birmingham (UAB): Primary Care HEART-NET, collaborating with the Universities of Arkansas and Mississippi.

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC): PRIME-OK

University of New Mexico (UNM): PC-BRIDGE Research studies conducted by these hubs include:

iREACH: Enhancing online weight-loss strategies for rural adults

Hearing Healthcare: Expanding rural access via tele-audiology

GEMS: Integrating geriatric care into cancer survivorship

SUPERA: Combining digital CBT with peer support for Spanish-speaking patients

TAICHIKNEE: Evaluating web-based tai chi for knee osteoarthritis

BeatPain: Reducing opioid use through tele-coaching

Co-Care: Implementing collaborative substance use treatments in community clinics

TRUST: Optimizing gout management strategies

Collectively, these studies exemplify CARE for Health’s focus on (1) digitally delivered, scalable interventions; (2) integration with routine primary care workflows; and (3) pragmatic designs that accelerate translation into practice for underserved populations.

A forthcoming special issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (JABFM), highlighting these initiatives, will reach over 600 key influencers and stakeholders.

Simultaneously, ADFM has developed a specialized chair training program, offering critical assessment tools and targeted resources to bolster research leadership and capacity at the departmental level.

Strengthening Our Research Foundation: Infrastructure

Robust infrastructure remains integral to research success. The ADFM Research Development Committee is actively creating practical tools to leverage local Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA), enhancing family medicine research capabilities.

NAPCRG’s Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) Committee is completing comprehensive guidelines to foster strong research networks. Additionally, the HIT-CASFM Committee is developing an innovative health information technology curriculum and consortium, set to launch in 2026.

The Road Ahead: Engaging Our Community

The continued success of the National Family Medicine Strategic Plan for Research relies on active participation, collaborative innovation, and impactful advocacy from the broader research community. Stay connected and contribute to our shared vision by following updates from NAPCRG and ADFM via their websites and LinkedIn pages (ADFM and NAPCRG).

© 2025 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.