How long do have to study medicine for until you become a qualified doctor?

The length of time it takes to become a qualified doctor can vary depending on the country and specific program, but here's a general outline of the timeline in the United States:

Undergraduate education (4 years): Before attending medical school, students must complete an undergraduate degree. Common majors include biology, chemistry, and other science-related fields. Some medical schools also require applicants to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Medical school (4 years): After completing their undergraduate degree, students can apply to medical school. Medical school consists of classroom learning, laboratory work, and clinical rotations. During this time, students study a wide range of medical topics, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and surgery.

Residency (3-7 years): After graduating from medical school, doctors must complete a residency program. Residency is a supervised period of training in a specific medical specialty, such as pediatrics, internal medicine, or surgery. Residents work under the supervision of experienced physicians and gain practical experience in patient care.

Some medical specialties may require additional fellowship training (1-3 years) beyond residency for further specialization.

Licensure: In order to practice medicine, doctors must be licensed by the medical board in the state where they want to practice. This typically involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) which consist of several steps.

While this outline provides a general overview of the path to becoming a doctor in the United States, the exact requirements and timeline may vary. Individual factors such as educational institution, specialty choice, and state regulations can influence the specific duration of the process.