Time it takes to get an MD degree?

Hey everyone! I'm considering pursuing an MD degree after my undergrad, but I'm wondering how long the entire process might take. From medical school to residency and everything in between, can anyone break down the timeline for me? Thanks!

Hey! Great to see you're thinking about pursuing an MD degree. Here's a general timeline of the journey towards becoming a fully licensed physician:

1. Medical School: Medical school typically takes four years to complete. The first two years are usually focused on classroom-based education in areas like anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. The last two years involve clinical rotations in various specialties, where you gain practical experience under the supervision of physicians.

2. Residency: After medical school, you'll enter a residency program in your chosen specialty, which can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty. For example, a family medicine residency is generally 3 years, while surgical specialties may require up to 7 years. During residency, you'll work closely with attending physicians to hone your skills and gain experience in your chosen field.

3. Fellowship (optional): Some physicians choose to pursue additional specialized training called a fellowship after completing their residency. Fellowships are available in various sub-specialties and can last 1-3 years, depending on the area of focus.

To sum it up, if you include medical school and residency, it will take you around 7-11 years to become a fully licensed MD. If you choose to pursue an optional fellowship, it could add an additional 1-3 years to your training. Keep in mind that this timeline doesn't include undergraduate education, which is typically 4 years.

I hope this breakdown helps you better understand the timeline of pursuing an MD degree! Best of luck on your journey.