Additional Information
It takes about 11 years to become a physician. You'll start with an undergraduate
degree. Then, there are four years of medical school and three years of residency.
Students spend most of their first two years of med school in classrooms
and laboratories taking anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, microbiology,
pathology, and medical ethics and law. They also learn to take medical histories,
examine patients and recognize symptoms.
The last two years consist of working with patients under the supervision
of experienced physicians. Students have rotations in internal medicine, family
medicine, pediatrics and other specialties.
It's also suggested that you study sociology, political science, religion
and languages. Doctors work with people who have different backgrounds and
experiences. A broad education will make you aware of the issues and interests
of your patients.
"There's a niche in medicine for every personality of doctor," says Dr.
Donald George, a pediatric gastroenterologist in Florida. "Just as you'll
encounter every personality of patient, your choice of a specialty will be
determined by your intellectual interests."
Specialized gastroenterology study involves a medical internship and residency
in internal medicine, says the American Gastroenterologist Association. All
fellowship training programs are three years, with the third year being devoted
to subspecialization.
To teach or do research in the U.S., physicians need a master's degree
or PhD. They may need to spend another year in research or an advanced clinical
training fellowship.
All this training is costly. While education costs have increased, student
financial assistance hasn't. Over 80 percent of medical students borrow money
to cover their expenses.