How long does it take to become a Pediatric Doctor?

Question

I am studying Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Psychology at A-level in the UK...

I was wondering how long must I study at university for?

I am positive that this is what i want to do, whether it takes 1 year or 10!..

Any other helpful information will also be much appreciated..

Answer 1

To become an MD, you have to study 4 years of pre-med at almost any college (And you can major in practically anything! Actually, many med schools even encourage it!)

Then, you must take the MCATs (usually during your junior year of college...this is a science based standardized test to see if you have learned everything necessary to start med school

After this test, you apply to med school...and if accepted, study for 4 years there.

Then there is your residency...this is not actual studying at a college, but you spend 4 years (1 as an intern, 3 as a resident) working constantly alongside surgeons and doctors at a hospital (usually one that is affiliated with the med school you attended)

Finally, you can become a practicing doctor, although at this point, I have heard that many choose to either research/train for a few more years, and really get to know their specialties...

Good luck...I hope to one day become a surgeon, so I know how daunting the task is...

Answer 2

Jill P is describing the path to becoming a doctor in the US--I believe the process is a bit different in the UK.  I think we have some UK posters here who may be able to be more helpful.  I know the residency system is very different from ours and that there is no set length of time for when you move to being a consultant.

Residencies here do still vary in length quite a bit, but they are for set periods.  In the US, the pediatric residency is three years total, but you may do extra years in fellowship if you want to specialize (cardiology, immunology, that kind of thing).  Surgery is a minimum of five years, but can be considerably more for pediatric subspecialties.