The 26th Forum for Behavioral Science in Family Medicine
Doubletree Guest Suites Chicago-Downtown
(NEW CONFERENCE LOCATION-SAME GREAT CITY)

September 15-18, 2005

This Year's Theme:
"Making the Difference in Family Medicine Today and Tomorrow"

2005 Theme: The incorporation of behavioral scientists truly makes the difference in family medicine today. But to maintain and improve behavioral science education in family medicine tomorrow requires a shift in emphasis from processes to outcomes as required by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's (ACGME) newly mandated competency-based education. Outcomes are the results of processes that matter to students, residents, patients, colleagues and the various communities that shape and are shaped by our work. This year's theme challenges us to examine and report on outcomes that are sometimes difficult to measure such as resident professionalism, internalizing the value of interdisciplinary teamwork, and commitment to supporting patients' healthy lifestyle behavior changes over time. Proposals to the 26th Forum could examine and report the differences behavioral science has made or practical methods that help us evaluate outcomes, among others. The theme also provides us with a great opportunity to recognize and celebrate the profound and meaningful differences we continue to make in family medicine.

Time and New Place: September 15-18, 2005, Doubletree Guest Suites, 198 Delaware Place, Chicago, Illinois

About the 26th Forum: For the 26th year, the Forum offers inspiring prominent speakers in the intimacy of a regional meeting. Each year brings together both "veteran" and first-time attendees to gain skills, share and discuss important ideas, and develop engaging colleague relationships. Participants leave feeling personally refreshed and professionally renewed.

Submit a proposal: We welcome submissions on all topics important to behavioral science in family medicine. Please consider presenting:
· Outstanding features of behavioral science education
· Practices and methods that advance communication and interpersonal skills
· Evaluation of outcomes in system-wide patient care programs
· Innovative methods that help learners meet - or exceed-ACGME competency requirements
All proposals will be peer reviewed. Well-developed abstracts addressing this year's theme are preferred. Proposals that are not accepted will receive thoughtful feedback. Submission guidelines and proposal forms are attached.

Presentation formats:
Seminar (1½ hrs) Present didactic information or panel discussions of specific topics or research with audience discussion and question-and-answer period.

Workshop (2 hrs) Transmit and practice specific skills or work on a project using active participant involvement in small groups or using other appropriate methods. (Longer workshops may be considered.)

Networking breakfast (1 hr) Introduce a topic of interest briefly, guide an informal discussion with table guests sharing experiences and exploring ideas, and summarize follow-up steps.

Nominate an innovative teaching achievement: The Gabriel Smilkstein, MD Award for Innovation in Clinical Teaching is presented at the Forum. The award recognizes outstanding educational achievements. See attached nomination form.

Forum sponsors are the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.

Submission deadline is March 21, 2005

Information: Contact Mary Ellen Radjenovich, Conference Coordinator, 414-456-8189 (meradjen@mcw.edu).