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This article presents information on implications of low-energy fractures experienced by women at midlife. In Canada, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men aged 50 years and older have osteoporosis. The risk of low-energy fractures is substantial. Recent research in Canada projects an annual total cost for femoral fractures alone at $10 billion, rising to $20 billion if osteoporotic fractures are included. Prevention, early detection, and cost-effective treatment are possible and recommended to save pain, suffering, and health care costs of osteoporosis and related fractures.

The article focuses on the development and improvement in primary care and family medicine research and scholarship capacity in the U.S. and Canada. Topics discussed include the background and significance of medical research capacity, development of research programs, and the transdisciplinary approach to medical specialties and academic disciplines.