Strategies for training generalists and subspecialists.

A strategy is proposed for attracting trainees to careers in general internal medicine coupled with a program that attracts a smaller number of trainees to research careers without attracting trainees into careers in the practice of the subspecialties. A novel training track analogous to the Medical Scientist Training Program, the Specialty Training and Academic Research (STAR) Program has been established. It is anticipated that within the next 5 years, 80% of the trainees in the department of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center will be training for practice in general internal medicine; the remaining 20% will be enrolled in the STAR Program.