[The physician scientist, problems and hope]

The dawn of the third millenium views a shift of focus from society to the individual. Personal accomplishments, comfort and well being have priority over such issues as contribution to society and general good. Physicians, among other professionals, have shifted their priorities to personal and economic status rather than an academic position. Despite this trend, the number of researchers among hospital physicians has not declined and the quality of research by clinicians seems to improve. There is, however, some retardation in our progress, relative to other industrial countries mainly due to major shrinkage of public financial resources. Physicians-scientists are those who generate the ideas for research in medicine and those who best apply new data to clinical practice. Indeed they constitute the backbone of the medical system. In order to ensure future preservation of the quality of medical care, clinical and basic research in medical schools and in hospitals must receive better support.