How to become a doctor: Your path to a career in medicine

Becoming a doctor requires high grades, practical experience, and a strong character. Here's a quick run-down on how to become a doctor.

Get qualified

To land a sought-after medical job, you first need the grades.

Academic success provides a solid foundation in medical theory and clinical skills. Even getting into medical school requires more than acing your exams. You’ll also need to pass an admissions test and submit a personal statement that stands out from the rest.

You’ll either need a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), or an equivalent undergraduate medical qualification.

This must be from a recognised institution.

What is a recognised medical institution?

A recognised institution means any of the 46 medical schools listed on the Medical Schools Council website. Of these, 36 are in England, five in Scotland, three in Wales, and two in Northern Ireland.

Gain experience

Beyond academics, practical experience is fundamental to succeeding on your medical career path. As an undergraduate student, you'll have opportunities to gain clinical experience through placements. These could be in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

These experiences allow you to observe medical professionals in action, interact with patients, and develop an understanding of the day-to-day realities of medical practice. You should try out different departments to see which specialty is right for you.

Build soft skills

In addition to academic and clinical proficiency, soft skills are essential. These set you apart as you showcase effective communication, teamwork, and patient care.

Aspiring doctors should focus on developing interpersonal skills, empathy, and cultural competence. This will help you build strong relationships with patients and colleagues.

What is cultural competence?

The NHS defines cultural competence as ‘a set of aligned and transparent skills, attitudes and principles that acknowledge, respect and work together as a system towards optimal interactions between individuals and the various cultural and ethnic groups within a community.’

In short, it is about understanding the relationship between culture and health, including how culture might impact health outcomes.

Other key qualities include resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. With these qualities, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the pressures of your profession.

Your journey as a healthcare worker begins by gaining admission to medical school. Here's what you need to know.

Applying to medical school

Applying to medical school is a competitive process. It involves meeting academic requirements, applying to university, and completing assessments.

While requirements vary between institutions, you’ll be expected to demonstrate academic excellence, work experience, and a commitment to pursuing a medical career.

In medical school, you’ll attend lectures, practical sessions, and clinical placements. The curriculum covers a wide range of medical topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.

How long does it take to complete medical school?

The standard duration of an MBBS degree is five to six years, including both undergraduate and clinical phases.

During the first few years of medical school, you’ll focus on building foundational knowledge through classroom learning and practical sessions. Later on, you’ll transition to clinical rotations, gaining hospital experience.

Can you become a doctor without going to medical school?

No. Becoming a doctor requires attending medical school. The structured education provided by medical schools provides the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience to practice medicine competently and safely.

There are some alternative pathways, such as graduate entry programmes or roles as physician associates. However, these roles are not equivalent to being a fully qualified doctor.

After completing your foundation training, you’ll need to start your specialty training. This is when you’ll either pursue one of the more than 60 specialties available, including becoming a general practitioner (GP).

How long does it take to become a GP?

Becoming a GP involves completing specialty training in general practice. The duration of GP specialty training generally lasts three to four years but can vary.

During GP specialty training, you’ll gain comprehensive experience in various aspects of primary care. This includes consultations with patients, diagnostic skills, preventive medicine, and management of health conditions.

You’ll work in different healthcare settings, such as surgeries and clinics. Upon passing your training, you can apply for membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP).

Once you’ve done this, congratulations! You’re a fully qualified GP, ready to provide primary care to patients.

What specialties can I pursue?

In addition to general practice, there’s a wide range of medical specialties you can pursue.

Common specialties include:

• General Practice (GP): Providing primary care for patients as the first point of contact. 
• Emergency Medicine: Caring for patients with acute illnesses and injuries in the Accident & Emergency department.
• Public Health: Protecting and improving the health of the population.
• Ophthalmology: Diagnosing and treating eye conditions.
• Cardiology: Specialists in diagnosing and treating heart conditions.
• Paediatrics: Caring for infants, children, and adolescents.
• Psychiatry: Diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
• Gynaecology: Working on diseases specific to females, especially those affecting the reproductive system.

Each specialty training programme has its own curriculum, training requirements, and assessment processes. Be sure to research your preferred specialty and consult with training advisors.

View the full range of roles and specialties available to doctors on the NHS website.