title: Commentary: obstacles to scientific discovery.
abstract: Over the last two centuries, obstacles to scientific discovery frequently have been encountered by visionary scientists. From Semmelweis to Marshall, many scientists have faced rigid and nonintellectual academic environments that refused to recognize innovative advances. Their heroic journeys should be a constant reminder to us to create an academic environment that fosters intellectual freedom.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Gear
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Edlich
mesh_terms: D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D005610:Freedom; D006801:Humans; D011287:Prejudice; D012106:Research; D012931:Social Environment