The primary focus of DEAR is to create and maintain a research environment for faculty, residents, and students. A DEAR research associate helps residents select a topic and type of research paper/project, pick an appropriate journal for submission, acquire permission from the UNTHSC Institutional Review Board, develop databases, and edit rough drafts. Four other primary members of DEAR include the director, director of research and funding, medical informatics computer user analyst, and editorial assistant. The primary obligations of DEAR's director are to find funding for independent resident projects, oversee the research program, and remove barriers likely to inhibit the research process. The director of grants and funding assists with protocol methodology, biostatistics, database development, and epidemiology. Residents learn to conduct literature searches, manage databases, and use the clinical digital library from the medical informatics computer user analyst. The editorial assistant maintains departmental research records, assists with logistic aspects of submitting papers, and procures the availability of resources.
The Department of Family Medicine chair and DEAR implemented steps to ensure support and guidance and to monitor resident progress. These steps include collaborative meetings between the Department of Family Medicine chair, director of DEAR, and family practice residency director. The research associate sustains contact with residents through phone conversations, one-on-one meetings, and monthly meetings. Within the first 3 months of their residencies, residents attend a presentation on how to write a research paper and options available for projects. Residents are given an extensive Handbook on Research containing a variety of articles and references.