To become a doctor, the general pathway involves several key stages:
- Graduate from high school with strong academics, especially in science subjects.
- Attend and complete a bachelor's degree, which usually takes 4 years. You need to complete prerequisite courses required by medical schools.
- Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) if applying in the US.
- Apply to and complete medical school, which typically lasts 4 years.
- After medical school, complete a residency training program in your chosen specialty, lasting 3 to 7 years.
- Some doctors pursue further fellowship training in subspecialties, which takes an additional 1 to 3 years.
- Obtain licensure by passing required exams (e.g., USMLE in the US) to practice medicine.
Medical school provides comprehensive training in medicine, followed by practical residency training where you gain experience as a paid employee. The path can vary slightly by country; for example, in the UK, medical school can last 4 to 7 years, while in Germany it can take about 6-7 years including passing the state exam for licensure. Key aspects include:
- Enjoying serving others, learning, science, problem-solving, working in teams, and leadership.
- Being prepared for long-term commitment with short-term sacrifices.
- Considering specialty areas after residency and potentially sub-specialization.
If the US path is chosen, students start as "pre-med" during undergraduate studies, then take the MCAT, attend medical school, pass licensing exams, and complete residency. This career requires dedication, discipline, and resilience but can be highly rewarding with diverse specialty options available.
