Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina said their findings might translate into fewer pediatric specialists and researchers.

   The study also speaks largely about female pediatricians and their values, since females accounted for more than 70 percent of pediatric residencies during 2002, and that number continues to climb, officials said.

   "The findings of this study are sounding alarm bells because we have an unprecedented number of basic research discoveries and new therapies that are ready for testing," said Dr. Bernie Maria, executive director of the MUSC Darby Children's Research Institute and principal investigator of the study.

   "Although doing research may be more important to established doctors, the low value placed on scholarship, especially among women entering the field of pediatrics, is problematic," said Maria. "We must do a better job of mentoring talented young investigators so children can benefit fully from today's research."

   The findings appear in this month's issue of The Journal of Pediatrics.