Research Division

Developing Innovative Models of Care Delivery

The best teaching for learners in all disciplines occurs in environments that foster and promote intellectual curiosity. At ECU Family Medicine, the Research Division leads the Department by constantly pushing the envelope to create new strategies and practices in primary care that result in improved clinical and patient-centered outcomes and limit unnecessary costs. We are increasingly serving as the “patient laboratory” to insure that outcomes are relevant to the place where most care happens in our nation – primary care.

To this end, Research Division faculty and staff

  • Train fellows and junior faculty members in research design and study methodology
  • Work closely with residents, medical students, and other learners to provide research electives
  • Support departmental quality initiatives consistent with the principles of patient-centered medical homes
  • Lead the department in developing externally funded research projects that examine innovative strategies for care and that contribute new knowledge in primary care
  • Organize and lead a practice-based research network of rural primary care practices in eastern NC that collaborate on projects

A major focus of our work has been in the areas of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, health disparities, and geriatric care in rural underserved communities. The Division has twice won the Chair’s Service Award and has been appointed to the state of NC’s Rural Health Advisory Board and the NC Institute of Medicine.

Resources