Research training is important for the preparation of physicians with a critical and reflective profile. Having the teacher as researcher-mentor, the student combines theory and practice, teaching and research, acquiring adequate preparation for their future professional activity. We conducted a descriptive case study, using a quantitative approach, in which we sought to identify the profile of teachers who combine research and learning activities at the Ceará State University School of Medicine. To characterize these professional the following variables were used: undergraduate education; cycle in which their disciplines are taught, and time dedication regime of employment. We concluded that research participation is higher among teachers: with non-medical degrees; who lecture in the basic cycle; and with exclusive dedication. We believe that the lower participation in research among medical and professional cycle teachers results mainly from the high proportion of these teachers with only 20 class hours at the university. Hiring teachers with greater time commitment and integrating research into the core curriculum are factors that could contribute toward improving research training and, therefore, the qualification of critical and analytically minded physicians.