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How long does it take to become a doctor?

I'm in high school and I would like to know how difficult/how long it would take to become a doctor. #doctor #medical

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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Naziha! So after high school you go to college and receive a bachelor's in any major you would like. You do not have to be a traditional science major such as biology or chemistry but you have to complete prerequisites during your four years of undergraduate such as in chemistry, biology, math, physics, etc. These classes are required for medical school as well as the knowledge you will need for the MCAT exam that you must take to matriculate into medical school. Medical school takes 4 years to complete then there is residency. Each resident duration is different, such as Psychiatry being 4 years while surgery being 5 years. It can change based on the specialty you choose, but that is something to think about in medical school. A resident is a physician but one that still trains under an attending physician, simply a physician who has completed their medical degree and training as well. As a resident though you will be seeing patients and obtaining a salary, so you are a doctor but in training! I would like to add during college it is important to focus on your education such as GPA/MCAT, classes and extracurriculars and showcasing your commitment to medicine. Possibly being involved in clubs/activities as well as volunteering and shadowing a physician. In all to become a physician is about 12 years, 4 for college, 4 for medical school and 4 for residency (give or take based on speciality). If you think only about school then it is 8 years.

I hope this helps and I truly wish you the best!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much Yasemin! I really appreciate your detailed answer !! Naziha
Thank you comment icon You're welcome! :) Yasemin G.
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Matt’s Answer

It takes a long time and commitment to a physician. You have to be ready to sacrifice many things your friends will be able to do or get, but will be worth it when you become a physician. Typically, it takes 4 years of college or undergrad. After college, it takes 4 years of medical school. You will have to take entrance exam MCAT before getting accepted for medical school. I would recommend getting involved in answering many questions preparing for the MCAT exam. I took the Kaplan Course for MCAT and literally went through everyone of their question books, including answers. I think this is probable the most useful to get through all the material that you need. You will have 4 years of medical school. The first two years are class time, learning your basics classes, including Anatomy, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Pathology and ect. The last two years of medical school will be clinicals, where you will rotate through the various specialties. After medical school, you will be matched to your residency where you will be studying the specialty that you want to practice. This could vary from three years to ten years, depending on the specialty you want to practice. So to answer your question, it would take at least 11 years after high school if you are doing a three year residency. Good luck and hope this answer was helpful!!
Thank you comment icon Thank you Matt!! Your answer was really helpful :) Naziha
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