Discusses the value of closer integration of the biomedical and behavioral sciences but notes that the scholarship of integration has been slow to gain acceptance as an integral activity of the professoriate. Suggestions include creating new research entities and funding mechanisms dedicated to interdisciplinary work; reinvorgating the integrative…

The article analyzes three challenges confronting academic medical centers in the areas of education, patient care, and research. Encouraged are: (1) an expanded role by medical centers in training primary care physicians; (2) modification of physician reimbursement policies; and (3) resolution of conflicts of interest for biomedical scientists in…

Examines the lack of support for the training and employment of clinical investigators to capitalize on the knowledge gleaned from decades of basic scientific research. Argues that this dilemma can be addressed by carefully defining and marshalling a coalition of institutions to support increased funding for clinical investigations. (MDM)

Discusses the difficulties involved in determining the cost of clinical research in light of the changing health care market. These include confusion about terminology, lack of specificity, estimation of the cost of complications, duration of patient participation, and the assignment of personnel and infrastructure costs. (MDM)

Lessons learned from experience about shaping science policy include (1) the partnership between health and science interests is fundamental; (2) research fund allocation should be based on scientific merit; (3) better data and careful analysis are vital to decision making; and (4) policy principles should be clear and concise. (Author/MSE)

The scientific community's expectations for biomedical research exceed funding capacity. Despite national social and economic problems, funding for biomedical research is already high. Additional funds will not solve the problem entirely. The biomedical community must set priorities and allocate money accordingly. New policies for allocating funds…

Presents the findings of the Association of American Medical Colleges' Working Group on Preserving Medical Schools' Academic Mission in a Competitive Marketplace. Concludes that medical schools will take a variety of approaches to define and preserve their missions and that the importance of the core mission of education and research is likely to…

The Association of American Medical Colleges' statement defines misconduct in research, discusses its prevention, and outlines suggested processes and policy for handling allegations of misconduct, appeal and final review, and disciplinary action. (MSE)

Current problems in health care delivery, including inadequate access to care and high costs, and potential solutions are examined. Additional emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention, increased biomedical research, the dissemination and implementation of findings, and better physician preparation to deal with the problems are…

An autobiographical account by the army's chief logistical adviser to the surgeon general during World War II calls attention to the challenges of medical service planning and three postwar changes in medicine: demand for access to care; bigger federal biomedical research expenditures; and the rise of specialization. (Author/MSE)

This paper proposes that physicians' use of computerized medical information systems in the practice of medicine can assist delivery of cost-effective, high-quality patient care and help expand clinical research. However, benefits can be realized only if clinicians participate in system development and implementation and if senior institutional…

This discussion of traditional academic medicine's resistance to changes in practice, technology, and finances looks at three current problems in medical education and two in biomedical research. Solutions are proposed, based on redefinition of the relationship between universities and medical schools and expansion of the conventional narrow focus…

Three principal aspects of capital needs in biomedical research are discussed: the significant and growing need for capital; sources; and the role of federal policy. Important assumptions, questions, and possible future trends are discussed. Consolidated thinking and effort are encouraged. (MSE)

Reports the findings of the Working Group on Capturing the Promise of Medical Research, which addressed questions concerning the direction of biomedical research, academia-industry relations, and the integration of scientific developments in medical education and practice. A dominant theme emerged: the central importance of an environment of…

The National Institutes of Health has developed innovative programs to help students, mostly medical school graduates, to repay or to forgive student loans, including physician participation in AIDS research, general research, and contraception and fertility, and plans for graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program also provides…