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How can I speed up the process of becoming a doctor?

I would really like to be a doctor but do not want to be in school for another 4 years and then at least 3 years of residency. #medicine

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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Denice! Honestly it may be difficult to really shorten that time because to be a physician one needs a lot of schooling. Your best bet is AP classes in high school and then maybe one or two over the summer; but be cautious because medical schools do not want too many important science classes to be taken at a community college over break and would like the majority to be at the university you attend. Medical school is 4 years, I think that really won't change no matter what you do because it takes about two years for "book" work and then another two for clinical rotations. It may seem like a lot of time but I read something once about a person who said that by the time they were going to be finished with medical school they will be 30 and their relative said to them "You are already going to be 30 no matter what, so you might as well be a doctor"; I thought that was pretty good because in the end if you love the field even though it might take time than most other routes (which also can be a couple more years after college as well with Master's and other programs), it's a worthwhile field to pursue. Definitely get more experience with clinical volunteering and shadowing a physician so you can really be sure this is the path you'd like to take. I wish you the best!
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Holly’s Answer

There are a couple of ways to speed up becoming a doctor. First, start in high school by taking college courses at local community college. You can also take AP courses if available at your school. Take a foreign language in high school, then one semester at college and get all the back credit. If you have areas of expertise, take CLEP exams in your freshman year for additional credit.
Regarding medical school, there are now programs that do your medical training in three years. You don't get any summers off, and you work your tail off, but it cuts an entire year off. There is one of those programs here in Green Bay at the branch of the Medical College of Wisconsin here in Green Bay.
There's not much you can do about a residency. The shortest are you primary care residencies which are 3 years, but at least you are working and making money during residency. By your third year, most residencies also let you moonlight in ER's, clinics for extra money.
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Jared’s Answer

Although being a physician is the traditional route to being a medical provider, there are multiple alternative routes with similar responsibilities and job descriptions like Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife. If you are concerned about the time commitment then I’d recommend researching one of these options.

Jared recommends the following next steps:

Research other medical careers
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Sanaz’s Answer

Hmm interesting question ... typical route is 4 yrs undergrad, 4 years medical school, and 3 years of residency. Some undergrads may combine the too but it tends to vary by the state. I would look into schools that combine medical school and undergrad to shorten it but it doesn't shorten it by much.

Thank you comment icon Thank you! Bradley Cowles
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Richard’s Answer

I used AP credit and summer school so I was able to complete undergraduate degree in 3 years. After medical school you can pick a specialty with only 3 years of residency.
Thank you comment icon Great Work Bradley Cowles
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Mariam’s Answer

Hi Denice !
I'm thrilled you asked this question and you are keen to be a doctor within a short time , also I'm sure studying medicine will be fascinating , I have searched for steps that help you shorten this process because in my country we don't have this option .
1.use combined programs :
Search for combined premed. and medical school programs and select your high school courses accordingly .
2. Get the highest marks in your courses so that you can compete for accelerated programs.
3. You can eliminate breaks to shorten the duration .
4. Choose 6 - year combined program and speciality with only 3 - year residency that can shorten training time.
Of my point of view try to enjoy the journey of being a doctor , read a lot , be a volunteer for charities , start to learn basics of research .
Finally I wish you all the best .
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