How long does it take to make Become a Doctor (Surgeon)?

Become a Doctor (Surgeon) takes 15 years — from start to finish across 4 stages.

Timeline Overview

Total Duration

15 years

Stages

Undergraduate (Pre-med) 4.0 years

4 years — biology, chemistry, physics, MCAT prep

Medical School 4.0 years

4 years — preclinical (2 years) then clinical rotations (2 years)

General Surgery Residency 5.0 years

5 years — 80-hour weeks, progressive responsibility

Fellowship (subspecialty) 2.0 years

1-2 years — cardiac, trauma, pediatric, etc.

That's 15 years — longer than most human lifetimes. Multiple generations would pass.

How long does it take to make Become a Doctor (Surgeon)?

From college freshman to practicing surgeon: 13-16 years. College (4) + Medical school (4) + Residency (5-7) + Fellowship (1-2 optional).

What are the stages of making Become a Doctor (Surgeon)?

There are 4 main stages: Undergraduate (Pre-med), Medical School, General Surgery Residency, Fellowship (subspecialty).