How to become a doctor?

Hey everyone, I'm just wondering about the timeline it takes to become a doctor. How long do I need to go to school and train for? Are there any tips for preparing in high school?

Hey there! Becoming a doctor is a rewarding career path, but it requires a significant amount of time and commitment. Here's the typical timeline and some tips to help you prepare in high school.

1. Undergraduate degree (4 years): You'll first need to obtain a bachelor's degree, typically in a science field, although you can major in whatever you want so long as you complete your pre-med courses. These courses typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Do be aware that majoring in a non-science means you'll likely need to remain incredibly organized to ensure you complete both your major and pre-med requirements, and there's a chance you'd still need to take summer courses or graduate a little late to get everything done. On the other hand, majoring in an unconventional area for a pre-med student can help your application stand out when applying to medical school.

2. Medical School (4 years): After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll apply for medical school, which is another four-year program. The first two years mostly consist of advanced science and foundational coursework, while the last two years focus on clinical rotations in various medical specialties.

3. Residency (3-7 years): Upon graduating from medical school, you will undergo residency training in your chosen specialty. The length varies depending on the specialty; for example, family medicine takes three years, while neurosurgery might take seven years.

4. (Optional) Fellowship (1-3 years): If you want to further specialize within your field, you can pursue a fellowship after residency, which typically lasts 1-3 years, but the duration may vary depending on the area of expertise.

To prepare in high school:

- Focus on taking advanced science and math courses, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and Calculus.

- Volunteer at local hospitals, healthcare facilities, or medical research centers to gain exposure and insight into the medical field.

- Join clubs or organizations related to medicine or health, such as HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), to network and learn from your peers or professionals. If you're interested in furthering your interest in medicine during the summer, when you have more free time, CollegeVine's blog contains a helpful list of reputable programs for high schoolers related to medicine: https://blog.collegevine.com/medical-internships-for-high-school-students/.

- Develop strong study habits and organizational skills to build a solid foundation for your future academic pursuits.

- Research undergraduate programs with strong pre-med tracks or advising to help you succeed in the medical school application process.

Best of luck as you pursue your journey to becoming a doctor! It's a long and challenging process, but one that can be very fulfilling in the end.