| |
|
Amanda How, Chair of SAPC
Many of your readers will never have heard of our organisation, but we are all part of the same international mission to improve scholarship and research in primary care. Our UK based organisation <www.sapc.ac.uk> has almost 800 members, and links up the activities of all general practice and primary care research units in our medical schools.
The SAPC grew out of the period when general practice first became part of the academic provision in medical schools which is not that long ago (less than 50 years), but its main focus is on research rather than teaching. 50% of our members are from the many research disciplines that contribute to primary care research (social science, epidemiology, health economics to name but a few...), while 50% are medically qualified clinical academics. We aim “to promote excellence in research, education and policy development in general practice and primary health care”.
 We have a variety of special interest groups including cancer, health literacy, education, and continuity of care. We run excellent regional and national meetings, the next one being in the beautiful old city of Norwich from 7-9 July 2010 (see website for details <www.sapc.ac.uk/2010/>, abstract submission will open in the New Year).
Apart from showcasing the best of primary care research, we seek to enhance the development of academic career capacity in primary care, including early career support and guidance. We also work closely with the Royal College of GPs and the primary care components of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to ensure that our academic mission supports frontline practitioners and makes an impact on patient care. We have huge expertise across our membership in hosting and running studies in community settings, and in all methodological approaches that underpin quality research. In addition we are a friendly lot, and our international members say that our conference is really worth attending! So do get in touch if you are over in the UK, and plan your next visit to coincide with the 2010 Conference Making a difference in primary care. We look forward to meeting you!
|
