Becoming a General Doctor: Time Frame?

Hi there! I've been considering a career in medicine and I'd like to know how long it typically takes to become a general doctor (like primary care physician). Can someone break down the timeline from undergraduate education to residency? Thanks in advance!

Hello! Pursuing a career as a primary care physician is a great choice and it's helpful to understand the timeline involved. Here's a general breakdown of the steps and the expected time frame for each:

1. Undergraduate education: 4 years

You'll begin by completing a bachelor's degree, typically taking four years. While you don't have to major in a specific field, many aspiring doctors choose pre-med or a related science major, such as biology or chemistry. During this time, you'll want to complete the necessary prerequisites for medical school, including courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and possibly calculus or statistics.

2. Medical school: 4 years

Next, you'll attend medical school, which usually takes four years to complete. The first two years typically consist of classroom and laboratory instruction in subjects like biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology. In the last two years, you'll gain hands-on clinical experience through rotations in various medical specialties, including primary care.

3. Residency: 3 to 4 years

After completing medical school, you'll enter a residency program in family medicine, internal medicine, or another primary care specialty. Residency programs for primary care physicians usually last three to four years and involve supervised clinical practice in various settings, such as hospitals and outpatient clinics.

In total, the journey from undergraduate education to becoming a primary care physician typically takes 11 to 12 years. Of course, this can vary depending on factors like the length and competitiveness of the residency program you choose. It's essential to maintain a strong academic record and gain relevant experience throughout this process, such as participating in research, volunteering, and shadowing physicians.

To learn more about becoming a physician, read this blog post: https://blog.collegevine.com/path-to-becoming-a-doctor-steps-to-take-from-high-school/

Once you complete your residency, you'll be eligible to take the necessary board exams to obtain your medical license and begin practicing as a primary care physician. Good luck on your journey towards this exciting and fulfilling career!