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Care for the dying patient is a difficult task which arouses many emotions in all participants. Many physicians feel inadequately prepared to cope with the many diverse challenges. A three-dimensional model is described which intends to help physicians better define their role in caring for dying patients. The model comprises direct involvement with the dying patients and their families, the physician's own needs and personal development and the co-operation with other care-givers. This model can be implemented at three levels, according to the physician's experience, skills, feelings, and the situation. The model can serve as a basis for extensive research and as a foundation for curricular innovation for students, residents and continuing medical education.

Use of alcohol and drugs is highly correlated with acquiring the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the precursor to developing an AIDS-related condition. Today the USA faces not one but two epidemics, the twin epidemics of substance use and HIV infection. A needs assessment in the state of Ohio of the 300 state-supported drug treatment facilities confirmed a need for HIV-related education and training of the 120 health care personnel, physicians and nurses. Unique train-the-trainer programming was planned and undertaken, including in the same training programme physician and nurse participants dealing both with substance use and HIV/AIDS issues. Significant differences were found in perceived levels of knowledge, and/or attitudes, before and after programme sessions, regarding substance use, HIV/AIDS, and related training issues. To reach all of Ohio's 120 drug treatment facility physicians and nurses required a 2.75 person-hour per trainee expenditure of professional resources.

In response to the Future of Family Medicine Leadership Committee's recommendations(1) The Ohio State University Department of Family Medicine convened 10 faculty development sessions covering the following strategic objectives: (1) Promoting a Sufficient Family Medicine Workforce, (2) the Role of Family Medicine in Academic Health Centers, (3)The New Model of Family Medicine, (4) Electronic Medical Records, (5) Family Medicine Education, (6) Lifelong Learning, (7) Enhancing the Science of Medicine, (8) Quality of Care, (9) Communications, and (10) Leadership and Advocacy. The focus of this editorial is on initiatives and programs to promote a sufficient family medicine workforce. In comparison to other industrialized countries, the United States ranked lowest in primary care functions and lowest in health care outcomes, but highest in health care expenditures. Despite this fact, the trend for United States medical school graduates to select subspecialty careers continues upward. Through collaboration and advocacy, we can all ensure a continued enthusiasm for the selection and retention of family medicine as a career.

The preparation of a research proposal is often a necessary step in the research process. Research proposals are used to secure permission to undertake a study, to ensure protection of subjects, to secure needed resources, and to achieve a refined perspective of the proposed study. This third article of a series of six on the research process describes the steps involved in preparing a research proposal, demonstrating a parallel to the research planning process.