Strengthening research in departments of obstetrics and gynecology

1. The success rate for members of departments of obstetrics and gynecology who apply to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is as good or better than for all applicants to that institute. The number of applications per faculty member, however, has declined by 54% for MD faculty and 48% for PhD faculty in the period 1993-1995 compared with 1984-1986. 2. The Society for the Advancement of Women's Health Research should be approached with a view to establishing national fellowships to support undergraduate and medical students during a research experience in laboratories in departments of obstetrics and gynecology. 3. A committee made up of members of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation Council and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology should be constituted to restructure residency training in our specialty. Training should consist of 2-3 years of core obstetrics and gynecology, followed by clinical subspecialty training of 2-3 years. Individuals who wish an academic career will then be able to devote an additional 2-3 years full-time to laboratory, patient-oriented, or epidemiologic research. 4. Departments that strive for a research orientation should create a division of reproductive biology with a full voice in executive decisions within the department.