Family medicine
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Recent proposals to reform the health care financing system have sparked discussions concerning the need to ration health care. Relative to other western industrialized democracies, the US rations primary and preventive care more, tertiary care less, and makes greater use of price rationing and bureaucratic controls. ⋯ Major reform of health care financing could change what is rationed, how it is rationed, and who is most affected. However, some rationing will remain necessary under any conceivable financing system.
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This report presents a description of a summer research assistantship program for first- and second-year medical students. The program's goals are to develop and enhance students' research capabilities and to familiarize students with clinical research in family practice. ⋯ A pre- and post-program questionnaire and test documented significant improvements in students' perceived knowledge of research methodology. This structured summer research program is an effective way to introduce and emphasize essential research skills.