1. Undergraduate Degree (4 years): A bachelor's degree is required, although there's no specific major mandated. Pre-med coursework is highly recommended and usually includes biology, chemistry (organic and inorganic), physics, and mathematics.
2. Medical School (4 years): This involves rigorous study of basic sciences and clinical rotations in various medical specialties. They'll learn about diagnosing and treating a wide range of illnesses and conditions. Medical school culminates in a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
3. Residency in Family Medicine (3 years): After medical school, aspiring family practitioners complete a three-year residency specifically in family medicine. This is a period of hands-on training in a hospital or clinic setting, where they gain experience in diagnosing and managing common illnesses and injuries, delivering babies, performing minor surgeries, and providing preventative care. They work under the supervision of experienced family physicians.
4. Board Certification (Optional but Recommended): Many family practitioners choose to become board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) or the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP). This requires passing a rigorous exam demonstrating competency in the field. Board certification is often a requirement for hospital privileges and can enhance professional standing.
5. Continuing Medical Education (CME): Throughout their career, family physicians must engage in ongoing continuing medical education to stay abreast of the latest medical advancements and maintain their licenses.
In summary, becoming a family practitioner requires a minimum of 11 years of post-secondary education and training after high school.