How many years does it take to become a doctor?

I'm considering a career as a doctor, and I'd like to know how many years of schooling it typically takes to get there. Can anyone outline the steps and timeline? Thanks in advance!

The path to becoming a doctor in the United States typically takes a minimum of 11 years after high school. Here is a general outline of the steps and timeline:

1. Undergraduate degree (4 years): You'll need to complete a bachelor's degree, usually majoring in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry. However, you can choose any major, as long as you fulfill the required pre-med coursework (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics).

2. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): During or after your undergraduate studies, you will need to take the MCAT, which is a standardized exam for medical school admissions.

3. Medical school (4 years): After your undergraduate degree, you'll attend medical school, which is a four-year program. The first two years typically focus on basic sciences and classroom learning, while the last two years involve clinical rotations, in which you'll gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties.

4. Residency (3-7 years): Upon graduating from medical school, you'll enter a residency program in your chosen specialty. Residency training can range from 3 years (for primary care specialties like family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics) to 7 years (for surgical specialties like neurosurgery). Some specialties, like dermatology and radiology, require an additional year of internship (also called a preliminary or transitional year) before starting the residency. These programs provide specialized training and gradually increase your responsibility as a physician.

5. Optional fellowship (1-3 years): After completing the residency, you can choose to pursue a fellowship for further sub-specialization. Fellowships are not mandatory but can provide additional training and expertise in areas like cardiology, gastroenterology, oncology, or plastic surgery. Depending on the field, fellowships can last between 1 to 3 years.

In summary, the entire process takes at least 11 years after high school (4 years undergraduate, 4 years medical school, and a minimum of 3 years residency). Keep in mind that this timeline can be extended if you decide to take gap years, pursue additional degrees, or participate in a lengthy fellowship.