Multidisciplinary Women's health research: the national centers of excellence in women's health.

Contemporary research increasingly needs to consider the value of a multidisciplinary approach in answering critical health questions. The current article outlines the need for multidisciplinary investigations specifically in reference to women's health, and addresses issues related to generating and sustaining interest in such an approach. In addition, the importance of resources and environment for facilitating multidisciplinary research and advocacy efforts for obtaining funding for this approach are discussed. Methodological issues pertinent to the operationalization of multidisciplinary research in women's health are also addressed, and lessons learned from the National Centers of Excellence in initiating multidisciplinary research in women's health are reviewed.