Becoming a Doctor in US is a dream of many, but it’s also a journey that requires dedication, diligent work and a clear roadmap. Medicine is considered one of the highest-paying occupations in the US, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The criteria for becoming a doctor may vary based on specialisation. You should complete a four-year undergraduate degree program, four years of medical school, and up to seven years of residency training. You can only obtain a medical license and start working after completing these requirements.
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From education to licensing and beyond, we’ll cover everything you need to know to embark on this rewarding path.
Why choose the US?
The US is an excellent destination if you are looking for a top-quality education and a culturally diverse environment. Its universities are known for their academic excellence, research opportunities, and a wide range of programs to cater to different interests and career goals.
The country’s commitment to innovation and technology ensures access to advanced facilities and resources, while numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities make education more accessible. Moreover, graduates from US institutions are highly valued by employers worldwide, thanks to the prestige associated with a US degree.
The US’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities provide a dynamic, enriching lifestyle beyond the classroom. The US offers a well-rounded and globally recognised education, making it an attractive choice.
Steps to Become a Doctor in the US
Before you don the white coat, you must lay a strong foundation through education.
Becoming a Doctor in US is lengthy and requires extreme dedication and strong willpower. You can start preparing for medical school from the high school level by completing the Advanced Placement (AP) courses in biology, chemistry, physics, etc.
It can meet your undergraduate coursework requirements later. You can also go for extracurricular activities such as volunteer work that can contribute to your extracurricular at the medical school.
The complete procedure of becoming a doctor in US, along with the top colleges and courses for securing a medical degree, are as given below:
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1. Complete Your Undergraduate Degree
You must start with a bachelor’s degree, typically a four-year program. While there’s no specific major required, many pre-medical students choose majors in biology, chemistry, or related fields.
It is essential that you complete the necessary prerequisite courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Some schools specifically offer pre-med programs that include classes to prepare you to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Top undergraduate courses to become a Doctor In the US
The top undergraduate courses and specialisations that one can opt for to become a Doctor In the US are:
- BA in Biology
- Medical Anthropology and Global Health
- Neurology
- Mechanisms of Disease
- BA in Health and Societies
- Global Health
- Disease and Culture
- BSc
- Human Biology and Society
- Neuroscience
- Paramedicine
- Psychology
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2. Pass the MCAT Examination
You must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) after college to practice medicine. It is a standardised test that admits students to medical schools.
These 5 hours of computerised test, tests your verbal skills, critical thinking, biology, and physical science. Most medical schools, in their admission process, consider MCAT scores.
The requirements for Indian students to take the MCAT and apply to US universities are
- Clear English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
- Submit a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Get a suitable Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
In addition to these test scores, medical school admissions committees look for well-rounded candidates. You must engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and other experiences to showcase your commitment to healthcare and community.
3. Complete the 4 Years of Medical School
Medical education and training typically last four years, with the first two years devoted to laboratory work and book study to equip you with the skills to diagnose and treat various diseases and illnesses. During the second year of medical school, you are expected to take the first part of the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE Step 1), which tests your knowledge of basic medical principles.
In the remaining two years of medical school, you can gain practical experience through rotations at hospitals and clinics, working alongside experienced physicians. The second part of the USMLE licensing test is typically taken in the fourth year of medical school. It assesses your understanding of disease development and clinical diagnosis as you begin residency training. Some institutions also offer a combined six-year program consolidating academic and medical training.
You can also opt for a research-oriented medical institution or a medical school solely focusing on primary care. The two medical degree options available are:
- Medical Doctor, or MD degree
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Top postgraduate and doctorate degrees to become a Doctor In the US
For further studies in the field of medicine, you can opt for a postgraduate (Doctor of Medicine) program and doctorate courses in the specialised fields of their interest, such as:
Postgraduate Degrees
- MD Degree
- Psychiatry
- Ophthalmology
- Obstetrics
- Paediatrics
- Gynaecology
- MS Degree
- Medical Technology Quality
- Medicine
- Community Nutrition
Doctorate Degrees
- PhD
- Public Health
- Dental Surgery
- Human Medicine
- Optometry
- Clinical Psychology
- Pathology
4. Find Residency Along With the Niche
In the US, doctors undergo a residency program under the guidance of a proficient and knowledgeable physician. The program duration ranges from 3 to 7 years, depending on their area of expertise.
For example, paediatricians complete their residency in three years, while urologists have residences of five years. You can submit your applications through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).
5. Pass Part 3 of USMLE and Finish Residency
Upon completing your residency, individuals must take the final part of the USMLE. This step is typically taken last, as you must obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) before being eligible to take the USMLE Step 3. The exam evaluates your proficiency in handling clinical and patient management issues and your ability to practice medicine safely and effectively.
6. Opting for Fellowships or Continuing Education
After obtaining ECFMG certification, you can pursue a fellowship to specialise in a subspecialty related to your residency, which takes an additional year. This allows you to develop advanced clinical skills and become an expert. In the US, practising doctors must undergo continuing education to stay up-to-date with clinical knowledge and advancements in their area, even after being licensed.
7. Earn Board Certification
Once the medical school and the residency are completed, you have to select a specialisation from 24 American Board of Medical Specialties subjects and then appear in front of a board regarding the field. Some of those specialisations are:
- Forensic medicine
- Anaesthesia
- Psychiatry
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- General medicine
- Pharmacology
8. Get a State License
To legally practice medicine, you must obtain medical licensure from the state after completing training and board certification. The requirements for obtaining a physician’s license vary depending on the state. However, passing all four tests of the US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) is a crucial requirement for obtaining a license, which includes:
- Step 1: Multiple-choice exam to test basic clinical concepts and scenarios.
- Step 2: Clinical Knowledge Exams (2 separate exams)
- Step 3: Multiple-choice exam to test the ability to apply medical knowledge
Top Universities for Medical Degrees
US institutions have a well-known reputation for diversity, academic excellence, and research contributions.
The combination of quality education, research opportunities, cultural diversity, and a lively campus atmosphere makes US universities a top choice for students seeking a top-tier education.
The top universities that offer medical courses in the US, along with their average course fees, are:
| Universities | Average Course Fees (approx.) |
| Stanford University | INR 60,800,00 |
| Yale University | INR 60,800,00 |
| Harvard University | INR 83,630,00 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | INR 68,100,00 |
| The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | INR 68,020,00 |
| University of California, San Francisco | INR 72,350,00 |
| New York University | INR 77,350,00 |
Specialisations for Doctors in US
There are many opportunities for doctors to specialise in the medical field. The AMA lists over 200 special categories; over 140 specialities and subspecialties are recognised by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
You can find some examples of these specialities below:
- Internal Medicine: Internal Physicians are primary care physicians whose main focus is diagnosing and treating adult patients. They handle various medical conditions, ranging from simple illnesses to complicated diseases. As the initial point of contact for adults seeking medical care, they offer complete and long-term care.
- Paediatrics: Medical professionals specialising in the health of children, adolescents, and infants are known as paediatricians. They oversee the growth and progress of children, administer immunisations, and tackle a range of pediatric health issues. The contributions of paediatricians are vital in promoting the health and welfare of children.
- Surgery: Surgeons are specialists who perform surgical procedures to treat injuries and severe deformities. Their area of specialise in general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, cardiovascular or neurosurgery.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: OB/GYNs focus on childbirth and women’s reproductive health. They deliver babies, provide prenatal care, and offer gynaecological care for women, which includes annual check-ups, contraception counselling and more.
- Dermatology: They specialise in diagnosing and treating skin, hair and nail disorders. They also address skin conditions, from common skin conditions like acne to skin cancer.
- Psychiatry: Psychiatrists specialise in the treatment and diagnosis of mental health disorders. They offer therapy, prescribe medications, and support individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
- Neurology: They diagnose and treat nervous system disorders, including spinal cord, brain and peripheral nerves. They also manage conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke and Alzheimer’s.
- Cardiology: They diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, hypertension and arrhythmias and perform cardiac catheterisation and angioplasty procedures.
These specialisations have a broad spectrum of healthcare, allowing you to choose fields that align with their interests and expertise while contributing to patients’ overall well-being.
Salary of a Doctor in US
A doctor’s salary in the US depends on location, specialisation, experience, etc. The highest-paid domain in doctorate is plastic surgery, cardiology or orthopaedic surgery.
Also, Doctors in US are paid the most in Kentucky. Some of the top companies for physicians in the US include Aspen Medical, Centura Health, Groups Recover Together, Inc., and Envision Physician Services.
The annual median salary of a Doctor in US is INR 14,040,029 (approximately).
Future opportunities for a Doctor in US
The US has a growing and ageing population, leading to increased healthcare needs. The constant demand for healthcare services ensures job stability for doctors in various specialities.
You can typically earn competitive salaries, depending on your specialisation and location. Some specialities, like surgeons and anesthesiologists, often command higher incomes.
The US healthcare system offers many options, from primary care to highly specialised fields like neurosurgery or radiology. This diversity allows you to choose a career path which aligns with your interests and skills.
Many US institutions are at the forefront of medical research, providing you with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking studies and clinical trials. This can enhance your career prospects and contribute to the advancements in healthcare.
You can also choose between various practice settings, healthcare administration, academic medicine, and hospital employment. You are given flexibility, which allows them to tailor their careers to their preferences.
There is a significant investment of time and resources in becoming a doctor, including medical school, residency and licensing exams. Becoming a Doctor in US offers substantial opportunities for doctors.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, we learned more about becoming a Doctor in US. Being a Doctor in US is a path filled with dedication, hard work, and perseverance. US healthcare is known for its excellence and innovation, making it an attractive destination for doctors worldwide.
Specialisation, board certification, and state license flexibility provide numerous career avenues. The steps of becoming a Doctor in US are rigorous. However, they ensure that medical professionals are highly skilled and well-prepared.
Also Read: Salary of US Doctors in 2024 – Most Important Guide on Annual Salaries in America
Study in US for Indian Students in 2024: Fees, Accommodation & Best Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. How much do doctors earn in the US?
A. The average annual salary of a doctor in US is INR 14,040,029. A doctor’s salary in the US depends on various factors, including specialisations, experience, location and expertise.
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Q. How many doctors are in the US?
A. In May 2023, the total number of professionally active Doctors in US amounted to 1,077,115 physicians. From a state perspective, California had the most doctors, followed by New York.
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Q. What are doctors called in the US?
A. The American Medical Association uses the term physician to describe members of all specialities.
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Q. Are there any Indian Doctors in US?
A. In a recent development, Indian medical graduates have been granted the opportunity to practice medicine in the US, Canada and Australia. This marks a significant milestone in the global recognition of Indian medical qualifications.
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Q. Are doctors in demand in the US?
A. More than 83 million people in the US reside in areas that provide access to primary care physicians abundantly. According to data from AAMC, the US could see an estimated shortage of up to 124,00 doctors across all specialities by 2034.
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Q. How are Indian Doctors in US?
A. As of 2020, there were about 938,980 active physicians in the US. Indian-origin physicians account for at least 8.5% of the total doctors population. India provides the most number of International Medical Graduates to the US.
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Q. Is MBBS in the US valid in India?
A. Pursuing an MBBS in the US is valid in India. In the last few decades, many Indians have chosen to study medicine abroad for various reasons. One of the main reasons is the scarcity of medical seats in Government Medical Medical Colleges in India.
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Q. Which is better, MBBS in US or India?
A. When it comes to pursuing further studies, the level of education, theoretically and practically, is always better in countries abroad, like the US. The recruitment is high for students with an MBBS in a foreign country.
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Q. Is MBBS cheap in the US?
A. The tuition fees to study MBBS in the US range from 18,000 USD to 86,000 USD annually, which is INR 17 Lakhs to 55 Lakhs per year. The living costs in the US are around INR 99,000 to 2,07,000 annually.
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Q. What is MBBS called in the US?
A. An MBBS equals an MD degree in the US, a professional degree you earn after completing your bachelor’s degree. If you have an MBBS, you do not need to make a traditional bachelor’s degree.
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Q. At what age do you become a doctor in US?
A. The journey to become a doctor in US is full of hard work and deviation. However, it is all worth it once you don that white coat. The average age of a medical student is 24, which means they become licensed doctors in their mid to late 30s.
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Q. Do doctors get paid during residency in the US?
A. Doctors get paid during residency, given the long hours and hard work. The salary will be less than what you get after finishing residency, but it is enough to cover your cost of living expenses.
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