Collaborate Around Shared Research Interests

Research Affinity Groups bring together clinicians, faculty, trainees, and interdisciplinary professionals in Family Medicine from institutions across the State of Arizona who share interests in improving healthcare through research and quality improvement.

These groups provide a collaborative space to:

  • Brainstorm new research ideas
  • Develop quality improvement initiatives
  • Form interdisciplinary research teams
  • Connect students with faculty mentors
  • Identify community health priorities

Who Can Join

Research Affinity Groups are open to all family medicine faculty, residents, medical students, fellows, interdisciplinary team members, and patient/community partners across the State of Arizona.

You do not need prior research experience to participate. The goal is to bring together people with shared interests who want to improve healthcare for their communities.

Current Research Affinity Groups

  • Primary Care Education and Workforce Development
    Exploring ways to strengthen the primary care workforce through innovative training models and educational research.
  • Community and Population Health
    Studying community-level health needs and developing interventions that improve population health outcomes.
  • Primary Care Innovation
    Testing new care models and delivery approaches that improve access, quality, and patient-centered care.
  • Behavioral Health and Substance Use
    Developing strategies to integrate behavioral health and address substance use disorders within primary care.
  • Technology and Innovation
    Evaluating new technologies and digital tools that support clinicians and improve patient care.
  • Practice Improvement
    Implementing quality improvement strategies that enhance clinic workflows, outcomes, and patient experience.

How Affinity Groups Work

Affinity Groups meet quarterly on Thursdays from 12:30-1:30pm.

During these meetings, participants:

  • Share emerging ideas
  • Form interdisciplinary research teams
  • Identify opportunities for community-oriented research
  • Develop pilot projects
  • Prepare ideas for future grants or studies

From Ideas to Impact

Affinity Groups often lead to:

  • New quality improvement projects
  • Community-oriented research studies
  • Student-led research teams
  • Pilot projects that support grant applications
  • Conference presentations and publications

The goal is to make it easier for clinicians to turn ideas into impactful research that improves patient care.

Join an Affinity Group

To receive invitations and updates about upcoming meetings: Join our mailing list.