Poul A. Pedersen--the first among pioneers.

INTRODUCTION Poul A. Pedersen was a pioneer of general practice research in Denmark. He established the Central Research Unit of General Practice in 1978 and was its inspiring head until his retirement 22 years later, on 1 November 1999. In addition, Poul made important contributions to Danish and internationa l general practice research and, among other honorary positions, was President of the Royal College of General Practitioners, President of the Danish Medical Society and Vice-President of the European General Practice Research Workshop (EGPRW) from 1976 to 1983. At the same time, he continued to work in his own practice every morning and took care of his own patients. Fortunately, Poul is still active in Danish general practice research in the capacity of research consultant with the job of stimulating decentralised research. But more about Poul’s achievements.