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How long for an MD?

Hey everyone! I'm interested in pursuing an MD and I'm trying to figure out the time commitment involved. How long do you spend in med school and then in a residency program before becoming a fully licensed physician? Are there any ways to speed up the process or any factors that could delay it? Thanks!

a year ago

Hey there! Pursuing an MD is a significant commitment, but it's a rewarding path if you're passionate about medicine. Here's a breakdown of the time investment:

1. Medical School: Medical school typically takes four years to complete. The first two years focus on foundational knowledge in science and medicine, often referred to as the preclinical years. The remaining two years, known as the clinical years, involve rotations in various medical specialties where you gain hands-on experience.

2. Residency: After med school, you'll enter a residency program, which provides specialized training in your chosen medical field. The length of residency programs varies by specialty. For example, a primary care residency may take 3 years, whereas a surgical residency could take 5-7 years to complete. Some specialties even require additional training, called a fellowship, which can add another 1-3 years.

So, in total, becoming a fully licensed physician can generally take anywhere from 7 to 14 years, considering both medical school and residency.

Regarding speeding up the process, there aren't many shortcuts. There are a few universities that offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs, which allow you to complete both in 6-7 years instead of the usual 8 years. However, these programs are often highly competitive and still require going through a residency program. CollegeVine’s blog contains a list of such programs: https://blog.collegevine.com/a-complete-list-of-all-bs-md-programs.

Factors that could delay the process may include taking a gap year before or during medical school, pursuing additional degrees (such as an MPH or MBA) while in medical school, or switching specialties midway through your residency. Additionally, finding a residency position can be a competitive process. If you don't match with a program in your first attempt, you'll need to go through the process again the following year, which could delay your overall timeline.

While the long-term commitment to studying medicine may seem daunting, focusing on your passion for the field will help you stay motivated throughout the process. Good luck on your journey!

a year ago

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.