How to Become a Physician

Ann shares her journey to becoming an internal medicine physician, from medical school to residency, and the pros and cons of a career in primary care. Learn valuable insights on choosing the right path in medicine.

Career Insights From an Internal Medicine Physician

Becoming a physician in internal medicine is a long but rewarding journey. “The path I took to get here… includes going to a college and taking the prerequisites for medical school… then applying for medical school,” says this internal medicine doctor. Medical school typically takes four years, followed by a three-year residency in internal medicine.

After residency, some doctors pursue fellowships in subspecialties, while others, like this physician, go directly into primary care. “It is a really long road, but if you are interested in medicine and you're passionate about it, it is absolutely worth it.”

Primary care physicians build long-term relationships with their patients. “You get the honor of following them throughout their lives and through their life's ups and downs and being that person that they come to for medical advice and treatment.”

One benefit of internal medicine is the work-life balance that some roles offer. “My primary care role is really just in the clinic… I’m not on call during the nighttime, I don't have to wear a pager, and I don't have to run to the hospital.”

But the job can be intense. Time management is essential. “There is so much to do every day—emails, lab tests, x-rays, seeing the patients, writing the notes, calling your patients back.” Without efficient systems and good habits, it can be difficult to keep up.

This physician emphasizes the importance of personal wellness in order to sustain a career in primary care. “Making sure that I try to eat healthy, exercise regularly, get good sleep, have strong social connections—all the things that we tell our patients to do are really important for you if you're a primary care physician.”

Common FAQs About Becoming an Internal Medicine Physician

What is the educational path to become an internal medicine physician?

To become an internal medicine physician, you need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree with pre-med coursework, take the MCAT, attend four years of medical school, and complete a three-year internal medicine residency. After that, you can begin working in primary care or pursue additional fellowship training.

Is the road to becoming a doctor worth it?

Yes, for those who are passionate about medicine and helping others. “It is a really long road, but if you are interested in medicine and you're passionate about it, it is absolutely worth it.”

What is internal medicine?

Internal medicine is a medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Internal medicine physicians, often called internists, commonly serve as primary care doctors for adults.

What is the difference between internal medicine and primary care?

Internal medicine doctors often work in primary care, treating a wide range of adult conditions and building long-term relationships with patients. Primary care can include family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Internal medicine focuses specifically on adult patients.

What are the benefits of working in internal medicine?

One major benefit is building deep relationships with patients over time. Another is the potential for regular work hours. “For some primary care roles… your hours are really during a regular workday,” the physician explains, making it easier to manage family responsibilities.

What are the challenges of internal medicine?

The biggest challenge is time management. “There is so much to do every day… You really need to maximize your time and find out how you can be the most efficient for your day.”

What advice do you have for someone considering a medical career?

Shadow professionals in different settings to get a feel for the lifestyle. “Asking to shadow someone in the hospital or… in a clinic who has more traditional work hours can be really helpful for you to decide if that's the right path.”

What extracurriculars help prepare for a medical career?

Hands-on experiences can provide clarity and strengthen your application. “What I did was I became an EMT and volunteered for certain events… I also worked as an aide for developmentally disabled adults.”

How do physicians maintain personal wellness?

Staying healthy is essential for sustaining a long medical career. “Making sure that I try to eat healthy, exercise regularly, get good sleep, have strong social connections… is really important if you're a primary care physician.”

Do internal medicine doctors have to work nights and weekends?

Not always. Some roles offer regular business hours. “I’m not on call during the nighttime… my primary care role is really just in the clinic.”

How to Become a Physician