BACKGROUND: Primary care research has recently garnered greater attention at the national level. Yet, primary care (i.e., family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology) departments within academic institutions struggle to develop and sustain strong research frameworks. METHODS: This paper discusses a successful model that was developed in the department of family medicine at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. RESULTS: Overall, the framework revolves around three core values: training future primary care researchers, providing resources to emerging and junior faculty members, and creating a partnership with the community and clinicians to conduct primary care clinical research. CONCLUSION: Significant effort is required to establish a successful research framework in family medicine. The framework presented herein serves as an example for other departments to use and adapt in developing their research division.