Additional Information
It usually takes about 11 years to become a physician.
First comes four years of undergraduate school. That's followed by four
years of medical school and three years of residency.
Students spend most of their first two years of medical school in classrooms
and laboratories studying anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology,
microbiology, pathology, medical ethics and the various laws governing medicine.
They also learn how to determine medical histories, examine patients and
recognize symptoms.
During the last two years of medical school, the would-be doctors work
with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians. Students have
rotations that give them the opportunity to work in internal medicine, family
practice, pediatrics and other specialties.
"Get some hands-on training early," advises Dr. Kelley Spratt, a Philadelphia
cardiologist. "Try some volunteer work. It brings the book learning to life."
During graduate school, which is also known as a residency, all doctors
must pass a standard medical examination to be licensed. All residents must
be licensed.
To teach or do research, physicians need a master's or a PhD in fields
like biochemistry or microbiology. They may also need to spend over a year
in a research department or an advanced clinical training fellowship.