Basic and translational neonatal neuroscience research: whither goest the future of physician-scientists?
OBJECTIVE
In light of declining numbers of physician-scientists, the goal of this project was to identify strategies to invigorate and attract new talent to clinical research in the field of pediatric neurosciences.


METHODS
To develop a broad perspective, a program of direct questions was addressed to both US and non-US physicians at all stages of career development.


RESULTS
Respondents identified numerous promising avenues of research but also indicated obstacles to research progress at all stages of career development including medical students, resident physicians, junior medical faculty, mid-career faculty, and senior faculty. At each career stage, ideas were offered to attract resources for, build prestige for, and motivate commitment for participation in clinical research.


CONCLUSIONS
Creative promotion of clinical research at all stages of medical education and career development offers great promise to expand current physician-scientist numbers, and thereby stimulate many exciting advances in medicine.
Pearce
W J
WJ
Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA 92350, USA. wpearce@llu.edu
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009359:Neonatology / Q000639:trends; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000639:trends; D000078329:Workforce