Doctor school years

Hey all! Can you guys help me understand the number of years it takes to become a doctor after completing undergrad? What's the typical breakdown of medical school and residency timeframes? Thanks in advance!

Hey! I'd be happy to break down the timeline for you. Becoming a doctor involves multiple steps after completing your undergraduate degree. Here's a general outline:

1. Medical school: After finishing your undergraduate studies, you'll attend medical school, which typically takes four years. The first two years of medical school usually concentrate on preclinical coursework, including subjects like anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. The last two years focus on clinical rotations in various specialties, such as pediatrics, surgery, and internal medicine, allowing you to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of practicing physicians.

2. Residency: After graduating from medical school, you'll need to complete a residency program, which lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 years, depending on your chosen specialty. During this time, you'll receive more specialized training and supervision in your chosen field. For example, family medicine and internal medicine residencies generally take 3 years, while surgical specialties and other in-depth fields like neurology or radiology may take up to 7 years.

3. Optional Fellowship: Some physicians choose to pursue a fellowship for additional specialized training, which can take 1 to 3 years. A fellowship allows you to gain experience and expertise in a specific sub-specialty, such as pediatric cardiology or surgical oncology.

So, the entire process of becoming a doctor, from undergrad to the end of residency, can take anywhere from 11 to 15 years, and even longer if you pursue a fellowship. It's quite a commitment, but it can also be a highly rewarding career path that allows you to make a significant impact on people's lives. Good luck on your journey!