I've heard of those. the ABIM research pathway. Often times they can end being LONGER than the actual path. 2 years IM + 2 years cards clinical + 3 years research (lolz). I'm actually interested in academics so it's something I might look at. The problem is none of my current research is dedicated towards a certain field (let alone IM) as of right now, although I'd say I'm much more productive research-wise than the average IM applicant.
EDIT: What I'm thinking of may be different? You apply during PGY-2 for that one.
I have told my parents that I wish to specialize if I do IM, and they pretty much don't seem to hear it. The next I bring it up, it's like they never heard that part. The actual part of applying through and going through IM would be super awkward. And I can already hear them during my IM fellowship app season... "See, now you have to go through this whole process and move all over again! You should have done xxx!"
Serious case of the feels right now