Research
The University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community Health is nationally recognized for innovative primary care and community-engaged research to enhance human health and well-being.
Our research advances patient-centered care by examining how individuals make health decisions, experience care, and develop relationships with providers. We investigate challenges to health care access and aim to improve outcomes, particularly for rural, aging, stigmatized, and underserved populations. In parallel, we explore integrative and whole health approaches including mental, behavioral, and complementary interventions to enhance quality of life and support holistic health.
On This Page
Research by the Numbers: 2025-2026
Meet Our Research Teams
Avanzando su Cuidado: Equitable Access
Promoting health care access and delivery equity through multilevel and policy interventions.
Barrett Lab
Researching respiratory health, mindfulness interventions, and behavioral eco-wellness — healthy behaviors that also benefit the environment.
Carvajal Lab
Researching patient-centered reproductive health care delivery, justice-based equitable primary care, and workforce diversity.
Community Wellness (Comm Well)
Focusing on culturally relevant mental health interventions for African American adults.
Driving Connections Lab
Conducting mixed methods research at the intersection of primary care and aging to support older adults navigating complex life transitions.
Implementation Science & Engineering Lab
Accelerating the use of evidence-based practices in clinical and community settings using implementation approaches that incorporate principles and tools from systems engineering.
Program for Research, Outreach, Therapeutics, and Education in the Addictions (PROTEA)
Innovating treatment and prevention to facilitate competent, compassionate, and effective care for people with substance use disorders and related issues.
Qualitative and Health Experiences Research (Q-HER) Lab
Using innovative approaches to learn from patients and families about their experiences with health and health care and helping researchers incorporate qualitative approaches into their work.
Temte Team
Transforming care for respiratory infections by combining primary care clinical medicine, advanced molecular laboratory science, innovative technology, community connections, and public health practice.
Wisconsin Research & Education Network (WREN)
Promoting and conducting high-quality translational research and education in partnership with primary care clinicians and the communities they serve.
Research Environment
Development
Strategic funding and research portfolio planning, pre-award project management, and persuasive writing support for grant proposals.
Administration
Pre-award budget development and review, routing, proposal process management, award setup, and post-award monitoring.
Compliance
Consultations, document review, independent monitoring, and regulatory maintenance for human subjects research.
Faculty Development & Promotions
Our Office of Faculty Development & Promotions provides resources, professional development opportunities, and mentoring to support career advancement.
Research Fellowship
Our Primary Care Research Fellowship provides opportunities to individuals aiming for careers in medical research related to the organization, delivery, or effectiveness of primary health care and preventive medicine.
Recent Research News
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DFMCH Publication Highlighted as JAMA Editor’s Choice
A clinical trial publication authored by Andrew Quanbeck, PhD, and others from the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community Health…
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Breastfeeding Paper Published in PLOS One
Work by Miena Hall, MD, is featured in PLOS One. The paper, “Building Breastfeeding Knowledgeable Health Systems: Focus Groups with Physician Leaders,” explores barriers and…