Research conducted in academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology could result in substantial improvements in the health of women and the outcomes of pregnancy.

Strengthening Research in Academic OB/GYN Departments determines whether such departments are capable of fulfilling this promise. The committee finds that these departments have a poor track record in their ability to compete for research funds and in the extent to which their faculty contribute to research. Adding to the problem are factors that deter OB/GYNs from a research career and a dearth of dynamic research leaders in the profession.

The volume explores reasons for this situation and makes recommendations to counteract them. Also included is an agenda of needed research.

Contents

• COMMITTEE ON THE RESEARCH CAPABILITIES OF ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
• Preface
• Executive Summary
  • The Current Situation
  • Committee Findings
  • Committee Recommendations
  • A Research Agenda for OB/GYN
  • Oocyte and Follicular Development in the Ovary
  • Fertilization
  • Fetal Growth and Development
  • Preterm Labor
  • Contraception
  • Infertility
  • Premenstrual Syndrome
  • The Brain and Reproduction
  • Menopause
  • Oncology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• 1. Introduction
  • Origins of the Study
  • The Charge to the Committee
  • The Committee's Interpretation of Its Charge
  • Limits on the Scope of the Study
  • Conduct of the Study
  • General Concerns About Clinical Investigation
  • References
• 2. Is There a Problem?
  • Support of Research and Training in Departments of OB/GYN
  • Structural Characteristics of Departments of OB/GYN
  • A Research Agenda for Departments of OB/GYN
  • Conclusion
  • References
• 3. Career Choices
  • Career Pathways
  • Debt
  • Foregone Earnings
  • Duration of Training
  • Women and Research
  • Summary of Career Choice Factors
  • References
• 4. NIH Policies and Structure
  • Absence of OB/GYN in the NIH Intramural Program
  • Absence of a Focal Point for OB/GYN Research at NIH
  • Study Sections
  • Restrictions on NIH Research Support
  • References
• 5. Departmental and Leadership Issues
  • Departmental Issues in Expanding Research Capabilities
  • Some Problems
  • Leadership
  • References
• 6. A Research Agenda for Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Oocyte and Follicular Development in the Ovary
  • Fertilization
  • Fetal Growth and Development
  • Preterm Labor
  • Contraception
  • Infertility
  • Premenstrual Syndrome
  • The Brain and Reproduction
  • Menopause
  • Oncology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  • References
• Appendix A Preparing for the Twenty-First Century in the Reproductive Sciences:
• Appendix B National Institutes of Health Support of Research in Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Appendix C Background Papers for the Research Agenda

This project was supported in part by funds from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Contract Number NO1-HD-0-2905. The Johnson and Johnson Foundation, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Syntex (U.S.A.), Inc., the Institute of Medicine, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Richard King Mellon Foundation also supported this project.

NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.

This report has been reviewed by a group other than the authors according to procedures approved by a Report Review Committee consisting of members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine.

The Institute of Medicine was chartered in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to enlist distinguished members of the appropriate professions in the examination of policy matters pertaining to the health of the public. In this, the Institute acts under both the Academy's 1863 congressional charter responsibility to be an advisor to the federal government and its own initiative in identifying issues of medical care, research, and education.