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What is the minimum amount of time one can spend in school after high school when trying to become a pediatric physician?

I am interested in becoming a pediatric physician and am trying to plan out a timeline for my life #doctorate-degree

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Dr. Kelly’s Answer

Hi Talia,

I agree with the first answer where my medical friends were almost 30 years old by the time they could practice on their own. The other factor that I would like to add for you though is how many credits you left high school with. Some students graduate high school with so many advanced placement credits that they have almost two years of their undergraduate work done by the time they are leaving high school. Another similar consideration is the program you are in. When I did my undergraduate work, what "sold" the school to many students was a trimester schedule. This means with three terms in the year instead of two, someone pursuing a four-year degree could easily complete it in three. Other universities offer classes over vacations and over the summer, which can allow a dedicated person to finish a bit quicker. This is something to think about when making a timeline for yourself.
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Naima’s Answer

In order to become a pediatrician you need to get an undergraduate degree (BA or BS) first which takes 4 years. Then you need to go to medical school ( MD or DO) which is another 4 years. After that you do a residency program in pediatrics which is another 3 years. Some students can shorten the time by 2 years if they enroll in a program which offers a BS and MD combined in 6 years instead of 8. If you do the BS / MD you still have to do a residency to be considered a pediatrician.
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