1. Bachelor's Degree (4 years):
- Complete a bachelor's degree, typically in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Some medical schools also accept degrees in non-science disciplines, as long as certain prerequisite courses in science and mathematics are completed.
- Maintain a high GPA and do well in science and math courses.
- Participate in extracurricular activities and gain experiences that demonstrate leadership, community service, and well-roundedness.
- Prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) during the last year of undergraduate studies.
2. Medical School (4 years):
- After being admitted to medical school, complete a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
- Learn about various aspects of medicine, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and surgery.
- Gain hands-on clinical experience through rotations in different medical specialties, including surgery.
- Succeed in all coursework, clinical rotations, and exams throughout the 4 years of medical school.
3. Surgical Residency (3-7 years):
- After graduating from medical school, secure a surgical residency position in a hospital or healthcare system.
- Complete anywhere from 3 to 7 years of residency training, depending on the specialty and the country you're pursuing a career in. For general surgery, it's typically 5-7 years.
- Receive extensive hands-on training in performing various surgical procedures and managing surgical patients.
- Demonstrate excellent surgical skills, surgical judgment, patient care abilities, and teamwork throughout the residency.
4. Fellowship (Optional, 1-3 years):
- Some surgeons choose to pursue a fellowship for further specialization in a specific area of surgery, such as pediatric surgery, cardiac surgery, or plastic surgery.
- A fellowship typically involves 1-3 years of additional training and research in the chosen subspecialty.
After completing all required education, training, and passing relevant licensing exams, an individual can become a practicing surgeon. The total duration from starting undergraduate studies to becoming a fully licensed and practicing surgeon can range from 11 to 12 years.