What is an academic general internist? Career options and training pathways.

Academic divisions of general internal medicine have developed and flourished in the last 2 decades. Young faculty can join these divisions in 1 of 3 possible career paths: clinical educator, clinical researcher, and, most recently, the "hospitalist." This article describes the typical job description, training pathway, and rewards and challenges for each path for students and residents considering a career in academic general internal medicine.