Commentary: Physician–Scientist Attrition: Stemming the Tide Through National Networks for Training and Development

Abstract

Future advances in medicine depend on a reliable pipeline of physician–scientists. However, the changing demographics of physician–scientists, including the advanced age of new MD investigators, and attrition along the physician–scientist developmental pathway are cause for concern. Recently developed National Institutes of Health–funded national networks for physician–scientist training and development—such as the Advanced Research Institute in Geriatric Mental Health and the Pediatric Scientist Development Program—offer valuable approaches to supporting and retaining these trainees.