The path towards becoming a doctor is not easy. It’s no wonder that aspiring physicians would often have doubts on whether they really are cut out to become a doctor. It takes more than ten years of studies and difficult trainings before an individual can successfully be labeled as a licensed, practicing physician.

After four years of medical school where students are exposed to various fields of medical science, these graduates are to be exposed in residencies and clinicals. Today’s top ranking medical institutions include Duke University, Washington University in St. Louis, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, and of course, Harvard University.

After successfully completing a four year pre-medical degree in college, students will go on to graduate studies. The “Med Proper” is where they are trained for another four years in intensive studies, exams, and trainings. After graduating from medical school, a doctor undergoes the PRHO or Pre-Registration House Officer clinical training where their skills in medicine and surgery are enhanced. The PRHO usually lasts for a year and if a doctor successfully completes this registration, he or she may begin to practice as a physician independently. The next stage after the PRHO is the Senior House Officer which lasts from two to three years. Here, doctors are able to determine what specialties would they like to focus on. Some doctors select a specific field in medicine, such as oncology or pediatrics. Others simply choose to become a general practitioner or a hospital consultant.

Another four or five years is required for the Specialist Registrar. This is the stage that comes after the decision to specialize in a certain medical field. There will be more studies, exams, and trainings before a doctor can finish this stage.

There are a lot of stages involved in becoming a successful doctor and any aspirant must consider all these. It takes a lot of time, money, and effort to complete not only a medical degree but also a registration, residency, and ultimately, professional practice.