Doctors aspire to keep their communities healthy and safe. According to the 2018 Survey of America’s Physicians Practice Patterns & Perspectives, the average primary care doctor sees 20.2 patients per day. Indeed, estimates suggest each doctor has roughly 2,000 people under his or her care and spends about 22 minutes with a patient during the average appointment.
Medical students travel a long road of study and practical application before they become doctors. Physicians diagnose and treat diseases, illnesses and injuries. They also interpret diagnostic tests and may counsel patients on preventive heath care and healthy living. This requires immense knowledge, so it should come as no surprise that the road to becoming a licensed doctor is so challenging and lengthy.
There are few professions with higher stakes than the field of medicine, which is one reason why the process of becoming a doctor requires years of hard work and tremendous patience. Requirements for becoming a physician vary by country, so for the purpose of this article, the process outlined refers to licensure in the United States.
Undergraduate degree
The path to being a doctor starts at a four-year undergraduate program, says Indeed. Students may get their degrees in Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Psychology, or even Nursing. Data assembled by the American Association of Medical Colleges showed that, in 2019, 58 percent of those who took the Medical College Admissions Test majored in biological sciences. Medical schools have a significant number of academic prerequisites and likely will require premed classes in college, so it’s essential to find a college that can accommodate this career path.
Participate in extracurricular activities
The road to medical school is competitive, so applicants should set themselves apart with résumés that include activities that go beyond study. These activities will help candidates appear well-rounded.
Take MCATs and get into school
The Medical College Admission Test are akin to the Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) for aspiring medical students. Med schools use the MCAT to screen applicants, so it is essential for premeds to do well.
Medical school is an additional four-year commitment. Aspiring physicians can attend research-oriented institutions or those that focus on primary care. They also can choose between Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees. Both programs include a mix of clinical rotations and medical science courses.
Residency
The University of Medicine and Health Sciences says newly licensed doctors need to go through several additional years of post-graduate training in specialties of their choosing, called medical residency, after graduating from medical school. This program takes place in a hospital or academic setting. Residency can be an additional three to seven years, depending on the specialty.
Exam
Following a residency, doctors need to take exams for the states in which they plan to practice medicine.
It can take 11 to 15 years to become a physician. Patience, knowledge and perseverance is required to become a licensed doctor.
