[Scientific and research projects of the Department of Family Medicine--contribution to the identity of general practice/family medicine as a scientific discipline].

The main task of an academic department of any medical discipline is an integrated development and improvement of professional, scientific and educational activities. The proces of formulation, establishment and recognition of general practice/family medicine as an academic discipline in Croatia started with postgraduate education and vocational training in 1960 at the Andrija Stampar School of Public Health. In 1980 Department of Family Medicine of the Medical School, University of Zagreb was officially established. The aim of this paper was to describe the characteristics of general practice/family medicine as a scientific discipline with its proper, independent knowledge, acquired in scientific research and applied in practice. Based on literature review, specific areas and methodology of scientific research in general practice/family medicine are presented. Scientific research in general practice/family medicine has traditionally included epidemiological, clinical, organisational and other aspects of work of general practitioners/family physicians comprising activities directed towards patient and community care, as well as towards the position and responsibilities within a health care system. Department of Family Medicine carried out its own scientific projects, participated in international scientific projects and scientific projects implemented with other partners. Some of these projects were presented in this paper with the purpose to give a brief insight into the development and current state of the scientific work within the Department of Family Medicine.