how long does it take to become a doctor

It takes about 11 to 15 years to become a fully licensed and practicing doctor in the United States. This timeline includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and three to seven years of residency training, depending on the medical specialty chosen. Additional fellowship training may extend this period for certain specialties. Typically, students start medical school around age 22-23 and become licensed doctors in their late 20s to early 30s.