Path to Becoming a Doctor

Hey y'all, I'm a junior and I'm considering becoming a doctor. I know there's a ton of schooling involved, but I'm not really sure about the timeline. Could you guys give me an idea of how long it takes to become a doctor from undergrad to residency?

Hey there! Sure, I'm happy to lay out the general timeline for you. Keep in mind that this can vary based on the individual and the specific program they pursue, but here's a general overview of the process:

1. Undergraduate degree (4 years): Most aspiring doctors obtain a bachelor's degree, usually in a pre-med or science-related major like biology, chemistry, or physics. However, you can major in anything, as long as you complete the prerequisite courses for medical school admission - just be aware that majoring in something that doesn't have a lot of overlap with your pre-med prerequisites may mean you need to take summer classes, or even extra time to graduate, to get everything done.

2. Medical School (4 years): After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to attend medical school, which lasts 4 years. Typically, the first two years consist of advanced classroom and laboratory instruction in subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology, among others. The last two years primarily focus on clinical rotations, where you'll get hands-on experience in various areas of medicine, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery.

3. Residency (3-7 years): Upon graduating from medical school, you'll enter a residency program in your chosen specialty. The length of the residency varies depending on the chosen field. For instance, family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine generally require 3 years of residency, whereas specialties like surgery or obstetrics can take up to 7 years.

4. Fellowship (optional, 1-3 years): After completing your residency, you may choose to pursue a fellowship if you'd like to specialize further in a specific area within your chosen field. Fellowships are not mandatory, so whether or not you opt for one depends on your career goals and interests. Fellowship training usually lasts between 1 and 3 years.

So, in summary, from the start of your undergraduate studies to the end of residency, it usually takes 11-15 years to become a fully licensed doctor. If you decide to pursue a fellowship, that could add an additional 1-3 years to the process. Best of luck with your journey to becoming a doctor, if you do ultimately decide this path is right for you!