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In its short, 10-year existence, the term "hospitalist" has been associated predominantly with primary care-78% of hospitalists train in internal medicine, according to the Society for Hospital Medicine (SHM), and many compensation surveys list the position as an internal medicine subspecialty. However, hospitals are now extending the concept to other specialties as a way to cope with mounting pressures to compensate physicians for call coverage. Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and general surgery are the first specialties to adapt the hospitalist concept, but others may follow suit if the approach proves to be an effective alternative to paying for call.