To become an internist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, an M.D. from medical school, a residency in internal medicine, and board certification. After meeting the basic requirements, doctors in internal medicine can choose subspecialties in other fields, such as cardiology or infectious diseases. It is possible to pursue further education after completing a residency. These doctors can work in a similar capacity to general practitioners or work in greater depth with patients who have complex medical problems if they only have board certification in internal medicine.
Students interested in becoming internists can begin preparing as early as high school. Getting good grades in math and science will set you up for success in the many college science courses you’ll need. Some students may be enrolled in advanced placement classes at their school. These can be used to earn college credits, allowing students to start their bachelor’s degree program with the option of taking more advanced courses.
In college, major selection is less important than class selection, which must be made in light of medical school requirements. Individuals interested in becoming internists must take courses in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and other related subjects. These help students prepare for medical school and prepare them to take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®), which is required for admission to medical schools in a number of areas. The majority of doctoral programs only accept students who have high MCAT® scores and good grades.
The first three years of medical school are spent studying intensely, while the fourth year is spent practicing and learning about the various specialties that students may choose. Working with internists is a great way to confirm your decision to become an internist. Students with good grades in medical school and any internship rotations have a better chance of being accepted into an internal medicine residency program.
The student will apply to residency matching programs to become an internist during the internship year. Individuals who are accepted undergo three to four years of intensive training in their chosen specialty if they are accepted. Doctors can take board examinations, become certified as specialists, and begin their careers after completing their residency.
Alternatively, some doctors complete their boards and then pursue a subspecialty fellowship for another year or two. Internists are trained in cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, and endocrinology, among other subspecialties. Geriatric medicine, infectious disease, rheumatology, and sleep medicine are also options. The duration and requirements of each training or fellowship program differ.