Almost all physician who graduate from Internal Medicine program know that fellowship is very essential not only for intellectual satisfaction but also for long term solid growth. As a primare care provider the role is limited to preventive medicine and sometimes that work sort of becomes routine. On the contrary practice after fellowship provides you an opportunity to handle challenging cases, intellectual satisfaction and pretty good reward. But to pursue the fellowship after 3 years of Internal Medicine residency for another 2 or 3 years is really a daunting task. Now a days lots of physicians take 1 year or 2 years off before they pursue fellowship. What would be the best career option to do during those years. There are different options and each one has its own merrits and negatives.

Some people choose to do chief residency but it is not available to everyone and pay is less. Some people pursue research but it is again by choice. Some people pursue job in office practice or as a Hospitalist or locum tenents.

I think if you really want to take it easy for one year than job as a Hospitalist or Locum tenent is much better because not only it provides flexible schedules but also a good source of income.

Let me know your views.

Sid