How to Become a Doctor of Internal Medicine

Doctors of internal medicine are doctors who treat and prevent adult related diseases.  Internal medicine doctors specialize in the management of patients with multi-system diseases. They may act as primary care doctors for adults as well but are commonly caring for hospitalized patients. They may also be trained in surgery and obstetrics. To become an internal doctor, you must complete schooling and training.

How to Become a Doctor of Internal Medicine:

1. Earn a high school diploma.

2. Apply for and an attend college or university to earn a bachelor's degree. Many people who want to be a doctor of internal medicine take courses in physics, biology, math and chemistry.

3. Register for and take the Medical College Admissions Test or MCAT. All medical schools will require the scores from the test during the application process. You can register for the test with the Association of American Medical Colleges or AAMC. AAMC will provide you with study materials.

4. Apply for and submit your application to medical school after you receive your MCAT scores. You can go to the website of AAMC to find medical schools and applications. It will take four years to complete medical school.

5. Apply for and take the United States Medical Licensing Examination or USMLE. This test must be taken after medical school and before starting residency.

6. Register for and complete a residency program. All doctors of medicine must complete a residency, which will last up to six years. You can find a list of residency programs on the website of the American Medical Association. During your residency, you will work with established internal medicine doctors as well as gain experience in clinical and emergency situations.

7. Look for a position in internal medicine. You can contact the medical school you attended to help you find positions in your area.