1. Complete High School (10+2 or Equivalent)

• Duration: 2 years
• Stream: Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
• Goal: Build foundational knowledge, especially in Biology.

2. Clear Medical Entrance Exams

• Preparation Time: 1–2 years
• Examples:
  • India: NEET-UG
  • USA: MCAT
  • UK: UKCAT/BMAT
• Goal: Secure admission in a reputed medical college.

3. Complete Undergraduate Medical Education (MBBS/MD)

• Duration: 5–6 years
• Stages:
  • Pre-Clinical: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
  • Para-Clinical: Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, FMT
  • Clinical: Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OBG, Psychiatry

4. Internship/Clinical Rotations

• Duration: 1 year
• Focus: Practical experience in wards, clinics, and operating rooms.
• Goal: Apply clinical knowledge and develop patient care skills.

5. Medical Licensing Exam

• Purpose: To legally practice medicine
• Examples:
  • India: FMGE or NEXT (proposed)
  • USA: USMLE
  • UK: PLAB

6. Postgraduate Education: Residency/MD/MS (Optional)

• Duration: 3–7 years
• Specialties: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, etc.
• Structure: Hands-on training in a chosen specialty as a resident doctor.

7. Fellowship (Optional – Super-Specialization)

• Duration: 1–3 years
• Examples: Cardiology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Neurosurgery
• Focus: Deep specialization and advanced clinical research.

8. Start Your Career as a Practicing Doctor

• Work in hospitals, clinics, or as a specialist.
• Open private practice or enter academia and research.
• Explore alternative careers in public health, medical writing, or health administration.

Timeline Summary