Grand cru versus generic: different approaches to altering the ratio of general internists to subspecialists.

In the last decade internal medicine has become a less popular career choice among medical school graduates. In addition, there has been an increase in the percentage of internal medicine residents choosing subspecialty training. The factors that have led to the change in the ratio of subspecialists to general internists are discussed, and a plan is proposed that would make the practice of general internal medicine more attractive and reduce the number of subspecialty training positions in the United States.