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How many years in total does it take to become a doctor? I want to be a family medicine.

I want to be a family medicine doctor, how many years in total does it take to become a doctor? I want to go to VCU university.

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Michel’s Answer

As others have said. It will take four years to finish up a bachelors. Some people may take a gap year to be more competitive to get into medical school. Medical school can be hard to get into and this extra year allows time to get experience in the medical field and see what it is like. The gap year can be used to research. The gap year can also be used to help out and score higher on the entrance exam called the MCAT. Once in medical school you will spend two years in class learning the ins and outs of medicine. At this point you will feel like you know nothing, but you will start to see you are piecing things together. After these two years you will spend time inside the hospital learning and making mistakes. These mistakes will help you learn and if you learn from them you will start to develop and become better. Don’t be afraid to be wrong, but also make sure you are doing what you can to improve during this time. You will apply for residency during this and then go to a three year residency and can do extra fellowships if desired.

It is a long process and I’m not done with it at this point, but there is a lot of rewarding aspects. I would recommend keeping your mind open. When I first started I was dead set on doing one speciality, and after spending time in that speciality I realized it wasn’t for me. Good luck and I am glad that I can help out.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your help ❤️ Boshra
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Pamela’s Answer

Hi Boshra,
Great choice! I went to med school at VCU SOM and was very glad I did. (I am also working with a Family Med physician who trained there, and she is exceptional). I learned how to be a caring doctor, how to be prepared and well-informed for my patients, and how to function and be helpful as part of a busy team. It was great training! Others have already answered your question about how long it takes so I won’t repeat that info. If you have other questions about med school or VCU in particular please reply. Keep in mind that it does sound like a long journey, but so much of your post-college training is hands-on, the time will FLY. Remember, you will have lots of supervision so your “mistakes” (as someone mentioned in their answer) don’t hurt anyone. You will also have lots of support in your classmates who are going through the same journey. You’ve got this.
Best,
Pam
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Boshra
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George’s Answer

In my Specialty, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, it takes 4 years of college, 4 years of Podiatric Medical School, and three years of Residency (Fellowships are available) in a Hospital. For Primary Care, I believe, after you complete Medical School you have a one year Internship, 3 years of Residency (and the choice to do a Fellowship). In any case, you are looking at anywhere from 7 to 14 years after High School before you can start earning a living as a Licensed Doctor depending on what you choose to specialize in. Sounds like a long time but, in my opinion, all worth it.
Thank you comment icon Okay, thank you, sir. Boshra
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Ana’s Answer

Generally people spend 4 years in a bachelor's degree with additional pre-med courses, then 4 years of Medical School. Once you finish medical school, the Family Medicine residencies usually last about 3 years.
Thank you comment icon I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question. Boshra
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Vilash’s Answer

4 years of medical school and 3 years of family practice residency.
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