Becoming a doctor of internal medicine requires extensive study, including medical school and a residency program. Students should focus on math and science in high school and take courses like pre-medical, chemistry, biology, microbiology, or biochemistry in college. Residencies can last up to three years, with the option to specialize in areas like cardiology or pulmonology. Training can take at least 11 years, with additional time for subspecialties and regional requirements.
To become a doctor of internal medicine, extensive study is required. Most of these physicians, who may also be referred to as internists, have completed medical school and a residency program specializing in internal medicine. Many of these physicians do not stop at the simplest internal medicine residency and may choose a subspecialty such as cardiology, gastroenterology or geriatric medicine to study after completing an initial residency.
Preparation to become a physician of internal medicine can begin as early as high school. Students are advised to get good grades and focus their attention primarily on math and science studies. If possible, it is recommended to take math through calculus, particularly in an advanced placement class, and science through biology and chemistry. Good grades can help secure entry into a good four-year school where students continue on that path.
In college, there are several courses that are seen as favorable by medical schools. Probably the most popular is pre-medical, but other acceptable courses may include chemistry, biology, microbiology or biochemistry. Each of these courses can help students prepare for the medical school entrance exam (MCAT), a requirement for admission to many medical schools. Students usually take the MCAT at the beginning of their senior year of high school and use their grades and good grades to secure placement in a medical school program. Note that some countries like the UK combine Bachelor’s studies with medical school.
Medical school has three years of study and a final year of internship and results in licensure when people meet all requirements. The person who wants to become a doctor of internal medicine does not stop studying at this point. Instead, he or she will apply for residencies during the internship year or final year of medical school training for specifically continuing training as an internist.
As mentioned, these residencies are usually around three years old, but can be significantly extended if a physician wants to pursue a subspecialty in internal medicine. There are many subspecialties to choose from. In the US, for example, people can specialize in cardiology, pulmonology, critical care, medical oncology, endocrinology, infectious diseases or infectology or in other areas. The length of other residencies or fellowships will depend greatly on the areas studied, and a person who wants to become an internal medicine physician does not need to complete a specialty, although it may be more lucrative to do so.
At a minimum, those looking to become a physician of internal medicine can expect to spend about 11 years in training, starting in their freshman year of college. Training can be longer if a sub-specialty is chosen and can span a few more years. The total length of time may depend not only on specialization, but also on region-specific training methods and the requirements of that region’s medical board.
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