A BLUEPRINT FOR ACADEMIC OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

A consensus conference sponsored by the Council of University Chairs o f Obstetrics and Gynecology in February 1997 formulated the organizati on's response to the many external issues affecting academic medicine and obstetrics and gynecology including 1) a new practice model based on ''wellness,'' 2) reimbursement changes that have jeopardized tradit ional revenue sources, 3) an emphasis on quality assurance based on ou tcomes research and evidence-based medicine, 4) the concept of lifelon g learning dictated by an expanding knowledge base and new technology, 5) insufficient resources for basic and clinical investigation in obs tetrics and gynecology, 6) workforce statistics indicating stabilizati on in the number of subspecialists, 7) the increasing diversity of the United States population. Recommendations were developed that are int ended to foster change and contribute to the design of academic progra ms. These include appropriate training for residents as providers of p rimary care, with an emphasis on continuity clinics, an interdisciplin ary curriculum in women's health for medical students; promotion of ge nder, racial, and ethnic diversity at all levels of medical education and academic leadership; creation of clinical trials research units; a nd the development of expanded opportunities for research in obstetric s and gynecology supported by the National Institutes of Health. (Obst et Gynecol 1998;92:1033-7. (C) 1998 by The American College of Obstetr icians and Gynecologists.)