The next 30 years--will the progress continue?

TLDR: If progress is to continue, a constant supply of bright young men and women must enter careers in basic research and clinical investigation and action must be taken to assure the continuation of the research enterprise that has been respoinsible for the progress of the last 30 years.

Abstract: Spectacular progress has occurred in cardiology during the past 30 years. The major advances that have resulted in the better methods of diagnosis and treatment of patients stem from basic research that was often unrelated to the ultimate practical application. An excellent example of this process is the evolution of the concept of ,B blockade from the pharmacology laboratory to practical clinical application in a variety of conditions. The sequence of discovery, translation, and application depends on many factors, but most important is the trained, dedicated investigator. If progress is to continue, a constant supply of bright young men and women must enter careers in basic research and clinical investigation. Recent studies show that the pool of biomedical scientists is shrinkiing and fewer young people are selecting research careers; thus, the process upon which our future depends is threatened. The socioeconomic forces that tend to turn the potential stars of the future away from research careers have been identified, and they must be counterbalanced. For 30 years. the American Heart Association has been a leader in the conquest of heart disease through research. The faith of the Association in research must be reaffirmed. The relationship of today's basic research to the good medical care of the future must be explained to the people and to their elected representatives in words that they understand. Action must be taken to assure the continuation of the research enterprise that has been respoinsible for the progress of the last 30 years.