There are many things to consider when becoming a family medicine practitioner. You must have a strong passion for helping people and making a difference in their lives, along with putting in the hard work required to complete all 11 years of training, says Nihar Gala, a family medicine physician. Let us break down the duration of each process of becoming a successful practitioner.
The duration of the initial processes:
● The process of becoming a family medicine practitioner generally takes between 7-10 years. This includes 4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3-4 years of medical school, and then a 1-2 year residency program. However, the exact timeline can vary depending on the specific requirements of each individual program.
● During your undergraduate studies, you will likely take classes in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biology, and other sciences. You’ll also need to complete prerequisite courses for medical school admission, such as English and math. Once you’ve completed your undergraduate degree, you’ll then take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before applying to medical schools.
● After being accepted into medical school, you’ll spend the next 4 years completing your medical degree. This will include classroom instruction, as well as clinical rotations in various specialties such as family medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and obstetrics/gynecology.
● During your final year of medical school, you’ll participate in a residency program where you’ll complete hands-on training in your chosen specialty. Upon completion of your residency program, you’ll be eligible to take the boards and become certified in family medicine.
● The duration of becoming a family medicine practitioner can vary depending on the individual’s path. However, most people can expect the process to take between 7-10 years from start to finish.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it! The exact timeline can vary depending on the specific requirements of each individual program. Be sure to do your research and plan accordingly so that you can make the most of your time (and money!) during this process.