John
Can anyone clear up the hierarchy of Doctor?
I want to be a doctor and was just was wondering what the progression was from first year of medical school till your at the top. Also what is the top? What kind of titles do certain Doctor have? #doctor #medicine #healthcare #health #pre-med
3 answers
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
Here in Texas, one cannot practice without a year of internship and passing the state boards.
Nearly every doctor completes a residency which is 3-6 years of training in their specialty.
Some complete a 1-3 year fellowship to become a subspecialist.
Rachel Weinheimer
Rachel’s Answer
Attending (surgeons who have completed all of their training)
Fellow (Specialty training for general surgeons who have graduated from residency)
Resident (2nd-5th year of residency)
Intern (1st year of residency)
Medical student (4 years of medical school)
Undergraduate student (4 years of college)
James Garza
James’s Answer
hi john,
there are a lot of variations. but the following is typical in the US.
medical school is usually 4 years. the first 2 years are mostly academic, the second 2 years are clinical. at graduation you will take a final test to get your license as a Doctor.
then you go to Residency, the first year of which is called Internship.
when you graduate from residency you've earned the title of Attending Physician. you then take the board exams to become "Board-certified" in your specialty. so now you can be called "Surgeon" or "Pediatrician" or "Neurologist", etc.
and that's when most of us go into the real world to practice our trade, pay back loans, etc.
however, some docs do additional training in a Fellowship, usually 1-2 years. others train to become Professors of Medicine.
hope that helps, and good luck!