Combined residency training in family practice and other specialties.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The University of California, Davis residencies in family practice and psychiatry are entering the third year of a combined training track. Graduates of the combined program will be eligible for board certification in both specialties. The combined program has created opportunities for collaborative training with other specialties, such as obstetrics and medical informatics. Barriers and challenges to collaborative training include issues of curriculum integration, establishment of an identity for residents and future graduates, resident stress, acceptance of combined programs, counting of generalist physicians, hospital privileges, fulfillment of unmet societal needs, and improved collaboration at academic health centers.