Systems analysis and guidelines for behavioral scientists in family medicine

A recurrent theme among behavioral scientists is the difficulty of being a nonphysician in a medical setting. Differences in training and in work roles can create misunderstanding between physicians and behavioral scientists; and being a minority in terms of profession can be isolating and demoralizing. To date, analyses have focused on the individual differences between the two groups and not on the context - the larger system - in which the two work. This article examines these systemic problems, particularly problems specific to family medicine. Coping methods which can be used by behavioral scientists are proposed to help them reduce the work stress they experience.