WASHINGTON — The Institute of Medicine announces the establishment of the Norman F. Gant/American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) Fellowship, which was endowed through a gift of $650,000 from ABOG. Named in honor of Norman F. Gant, M.D., a member of the Institute of Medicine and the executive director of ABOG, the fellowship will provide an exceptional learning and career development opportunity to obstetricians and gynecologists early in their careers.

"It is truly a privilege for the Institute to offer this type of hands-on research to rising health scholars — to engage them in some of the most critical and complex health and health care policy issues facing the United States," said IOM President Harvey V. Fineberg. "This fellowship will provide young obstetrician-gynecologists with firsthand knowledge of the social, economic, and political forces affecting health and health care delivery in a way that few have the opportunity to experience."

Fellows will continue with their main academic responsibilities while engaging part time over a two-year period in IOM's health and science policy work. They will work with eminent researchers, policy experts, and clinicians from across the country as they collaborate to provide nonpartisan, evidence-based guidance to national, state, and local policymakers, academic leaders, health care administrators, and the public.

Fellows will be selected for their professional qualifications, reputation as scholars, professional accomplishments, and relevance of current field expertise to the work of IOM. Each fellow will receive a research stipend of $25,000. Inquiries about the program should be directed to Marie E. Michnich, IOM's director of health policy educational programs and fellowships, at tel. 202-334-1506 or e-mail mmichnich@nas.edu.

Established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine provides independent, objective, evidence-based advice to policymakers, health professionals, the private sector, and the public. The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council make up the National Academies.

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology is an independent, nonprofit organization that certifies obstetricians and gynecologists in the United States. Founded in 1927, ABOG is one of 24 specialty boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.