A challenge for the 21st century: whither physician-scientists in obstetrics, gynecology, and the reproductive sciences?

As we begin a new century, research in obstetrics and gynecology and its subspecialties face a crisis. Federal support to academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology through the National Institutes of Health is distressingly low in relation to that for other major specialties. In addition, academic departments face a shortage of clinically trained investigators and physician-scientists who will respond to the challenge of contributing to a greater understanding of the reproductive sciences and to the amelioration of diseases of women.