The Division of General Internal Medicine has a long history of clinical research by both our own investigators and non-DGIM investigators recruiting from our practice. Currently, in General Medical Practice (located on the main campus at UCSF) we follow approximately 18,000 patients who make approximately 40,200 annual patient visits. These patients are seen by 21 faculty physicians, 30 primary care resident physicians, 28 categorical resident physicians, and 5 nurse practitioners.

The patients represent a diverse ethnic mix, with a majority non-White: 49% White, 24% Asian/Pacific Islander, 15% Latino, 11% African-American, and 1% American Indian.

The payor mix is also diverse: 32% Medicare, 34% managed care, 15% Medi-Cal, 13% contracts, 4% non-capitated insurance plans, and 2% self-pay.

Administrative and clinical data are available from the medical center's computerized information system (STOR) and other databases. Although our medical records are not yet electronic, they are available on site. In general, funding to access these databases must be provided by each project.

To better utilize DGIM patients and resources, we strongly encourage outside investigators to consider formal collaborative relationships with DGIM faculty, fellows, and residents. Each year a majority of our Primary Care Internal Medicine Residents participate in research projects and many have some training or experience in research methods. DGIM research faculty may also be available on an informal basis to discuss methodologic issues.

We welcome outside proposals that wish to recruit from our patient population and would like to improve our ability to quick respond to requests. Our goal is to review potential projects and notify investigators within three weeks of receipt of the complete application packet. In return, we ask that Investigators keep us updated on the status (and results) of their projects. The review process will not begin until the following has been submitted to us: the final protocol, IRB approval letter, and the one page DGIM Project Summary (see attached). Recruitment materials, questionnaires, and other instruments should be submitted if available. Lastly, we require that you periodically update us as to the status of your project and agree to notify us when recruitment is completed.