2 answers
ava
Student
Grafton, Ohio
3
Questions
Asked
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why would it take so many years to become a doctor?
is it just a lot of work in general or is it studies and mentoring and finding other ways to better youself.
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2 answers
Steven Bornfeld
dentistry
26
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Full disclosure--I am a (retired) dentist, not a physician. The short answer is that there is that much to learn. From a practical point of view, getting a license requires that you graduate from an accredited medical school. That will require you have a bachelor's degree beforehand. Medical school is generally 4 years. Internships generally a year, residencies (depending on specialty) 3 to 7 years.
Some would argue that this is unnecessarily long and arduous. But most people not in the field have no idea the sheer volume of information you must absorb. Of course it may well be that for some specialties there may be some parts of your education that you won't generally use. But not all physicians go into direct patient care. Some go into research and/or academia; some go into public health, some go into administrative fields. And for most students entering medical school, the final destination is not known until sometime later. Having a rounded medical education will equip you to make these choices.
That medical training takes so long is just one reason medical care has become so expensive. So there has been pressure in some areas to deliver less-specialized care by medical personnel whose training is shorter. Some nursing specialties such as nurse-practitioners, and allied workers such as physician's assistants can carry out many of the functions of physicians. State laws may differ as to exactly the level of supervision these so-called "mid-level providers" require. This has predictably become quite controversial among physicians. But these fields have become attractive for some people who want to work in the field but don't have the time or resources to become physicians. And I can tell you from first-hand experience that some of these people are very good at what they do.
Good luck!
Some would argue that this is unnecessarily long and arduous. But most people not in the field have no idea the sheer volume of information you must absorb. Of course it may well be that for some specialties there may be some parts of your education that you won't generally use. But not all physicians go into direct patient care. Some go into research and/or academia; some go into public health, some go into administrative fields. And for most students entering medical school, the final destination is not known until sometime later. Having a rounded medical education will equip you to make these choices.
That medical training takes so long is just one reason medical care has become so expensive. So there has been pressure in some areas to deliver less-specialized care by medical personnel whose training is shorter. Some nursing specialties such as nurse-practitioners, and allied workers such as physician's assistants can carry out many of the functions of physicians. State laws may differ as to exactly the level of supervision these so-called "mid-level providers" require. This has predictably become quite controversial among physicians. But these fields have become attractive for some people who want to work in the field but don't have the time or resources to become physicians. And I can tell you from first-hand experience that some of these people are very good at what they do.
Good luck!
Pamela Knight
Student
119
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Hello Ava
Becoming a doctor requires several years of education and training in order to ensure that medical professionals are well-prepared to provide quality care to patients. The process includes completing a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school, and then a residency program that can last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty chosen.
Additionally, doctors must also pass licensing exams and meet continuing education requirements to maintain their practice. The extensive training and education are necessary to ensure that doctors have the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose, treat, and care for patients effectively.
Ava, I will be praying🙏🏾with you of God's Plans purposes for your life with great success and remember to choose what you Love, and your choices.
-Adviser Pamela Knight
Becoming a doctor requires several years of education and training in order to ensure that medical professionals are well-prepared to provide quality care to patients. The process includes completing a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school, and then a residency program that can last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty chosen.
Additionally, doctors must also pass licensing exams and meet continuing education requirements to maintain their practice. The extensive training and education are necessary to ensure that doctors have the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose, treat, and care for patients effectively.
Ava, I will be praying🙏🏾with you of God's Plans purposes for your life with great success and remember to choose what you Love, and your choices.
-Adviser Pamela Knight