# How Many Years Does it Take to Become a Surgeon? A Comprehensive Guide
The path to becoming a surgeon is a long and demanding one. From medical school to residency and fellowship to board certification, it takes many years to become a fully qualified and licensed surgeon. In this article, we’ll explore how many years it takes to become a surgeon and the steps involved in the process.
## Introduction
Becoming a surgeon is a rewarding and challenging career path that requires a significant commitment. It typically takes a minimum of 11 years to become a fully qualified and licensed surgeon, including four years of medical school, a minimum of five to seven years of residency (or longer for certain specialties), and one to two years of fellowship. After completing the training and residency requirements, surgeons must pass board examinations to earn their license.
## What is a Surgeon?
A surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in performing operations and other invasive treatments on patients. Surgeons are responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and deformities. They often work in teams, collaborating with other medical professionals such as anesthesiologists and nurses, to ensure that operations are successful and patients recover safely.
## What is the Difference Between a Doctor and a Surgeon?
The terms “doctor” and “surgeon” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. A doctor is a medical professional who diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and deformities. A surgeon is a doctor who specializes in performing operations and other invasive treatments on patients.
## What Are the Requirements to Become a Surgeon?
Becoming a surgeon requires a significant commitment of time and energy. The process starts with earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school and a residency. Surgeons must also pass board examinations to earn their license.
## How Many Years Does it Take to Become a Surgeon?
It typically takes a minimum of 11 years to become a fully qualified and licensed surgeon, including four years of medical school, a minimum of five to seven years of residency (or longer for certain specialties), and one to two years of fellowship.
## What Are the Steps to Becoming a Surgeon?
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.
2. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
3. Enroll in a four-year medical school program.
4. Complete a residency program.
5. Complete a fellowship program.
6. Pass board examinations.
7. Obtain a state medical license.
## FAQs on How Many Years it Takes to Become a Surgeon
### Frequently Asked Questions about How Many Years it Takes to Become a Surgeon
**Q1. What is the minimum number of years required to become a surgeon?**
A1. The minimum number of years required to become a surgeon is 11, including four years of medical school, a minimum of five to seven years of residency (or longer for certain specialties), and one to two years of fellowship.
**Q2. What is the difference between a doctor and a surgeon?**
A2. A doctor is a medical professional who diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and deformities. A surgeon is a doctor who specializes in performing operations and other invasive treatments on patients.
**Q3. What are the steps to becoming a surgeon?**
A3. The steps to becoming a surgeon are: earning a bachelor’s degree; taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT); enrolling in a four-year medical school program; completing a residency program; completing a fellowship program; passing board examinations; and obtaining a state medical license.
**Q4. Are there any specialties that require more years of training?**
A4. Yes, some specialties such as neurosurgery and plastic surgery require longer residencies and fellowships, and can take up to 12 years to complete.
**Q5. Is a surgeon the same as a medical doctor?**
A5. No, a surgeon is a type of medical doctor who specializes in performing operations and other invasive treatments on patients.
