Pulmonologists are doctors who specialize in the treatment of lung diseases. To pinpoint specific problems, professionals conduct physical examinations and interpret diagnostic imaging results. To fully prepare for the job, a person who wants to become a pulmonologist must complete four years of medical school and up to five years of practical training. A pulmonologist can work in a general hospital, specialty clinic, or private practice after completing training and passing all licensing exams.
Before applying to medical school, most people must first obtain a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The majority of aspiring pulmonologists study biology, but a degree in another science or a health-related field can also prepare a student for advanced medical studies. To learn how the lungs work, an undergraduate can take courses in physiology, anatomy, and molecular biology.
In most countries, prospective medical school students must pass entrance exams during their third or fourth year of college. A student must usually prepare transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays to send to various medical schools in addition to taking the test. A person interested in becoming a pulmonologist can research tuition rates and financial aid options looking up schools online and speaking with admissions advisers.
Typically, a medical student spends the first half of their program in classroom lectures and laboratory work. Advanced courses in disease pathology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and a variety of other topics related to human health are included in a standard curriculum. Typically, the second half of medical school is devoted to a rotating internship at a local hospital as well as ongoing lab research. A student can observe doctors in a variety of specialties, including pulmonology, to ensure that he or she is qualified for the profession.
A graduate who wants to become a pulmonologist can apply for internal medicine residency positions after earning a doctor of medicine degree. While continuing to attend classes and conduct research, a resident works directly with patients under the supervision of experienced doctors. A new doctor gains valuable training and hands-on experience during his or her residency, which will help him or her become a pulmonologist.
To complete his or her training, a successful resident usually needs to enter a two-year fellowship focused solely on pulmonology. Fellowship programs are held in hospital specialty divisions, where new doctors have the opportunity to work alongside experienced pulmonologists. An individual can take a licensing exam to earn board certification and the right to practice independently after completing a fellowship.