The Place of Biomedical Science in National Health Policy

Abstract

Biomedical science has played a pivotal role in the development of national health and health science policy. Biomedical research is the only major health activity which has not been challenged as an appropriate federal role in health during the past 30 years. During this period of our history, the magnitude of this federal investment has changed our academic medical centers and research institutions by providing unprecedented opportunities for the growth of research programs, the training of researchers, and the expansion and upgrading of medical school faculties as well as of the scientific quality of medical education. In the process, the pattern and scope of federal research policy and funding created a high level of expectations and an interdependence between the federal government and these institutions which recent policy and funding changes have threatened.