The history of research training and career awards in urological science supported in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Urology research and training grants were placed into a separate research program in 1979. Research emphasis and the context of training programs have changed from a focus on urolithiasis in the 1970s to a broader range of urological disorders in the 1980s. From 1977 to 1990, 49 applications were submitted by 47 applicants for research training/career development support and 39% of the applications were successful. From 1977 to 1987 medical doctors applying for research/career training had a 75% success rate in subsequent National Institutes of Health research grant applications, and basic scientists had a 67% success rate. Of the 33 former trainees supported on institutional training grants during the last 14 years 76% were medical doctors and 24% were basic scientists. From 1977 to 1987, no former medical doctors or basic scientists from institutional training grants have a record of applying to the National Institutes of Health for research grant support. The urology community needs to capitalize on the available opportunities to expand the training programs to increase the number of physician and urological research scientists.