Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Become an Internist?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

It takes a bachelor’s degree, an M.D. from medical school, a completed residency in internal medicine, and board certification to become an internist. Doctors in internal medicine can also choose subspecialties in other fields, like cardiology or infectious diseases, after the basic requirements have been met. Additional study after a residency is optional. With only board certification in internal medicine, these doctors may do work similar to general physicians or they can work in more depth with patients who have complex medical problems.

Even in high school, the student who wants to become an internist can start preparing. Getting strong grades in math and science provides a good foundation to tackle the many college science courses that will be needed. Some students may attend schools where advanced placement classes are taught. These can earn college credits, which means a student can begin bachelor’s degree studies with the ability to take more advanced courses.

Some medical internists specialize in working with geriatric patients and their caregivers.
Some medical internists specialize in working with geriatric patients and their caregivers.

In college, the choice of major is not that important, but classes need to be chosen in reference to the expectations from medical schools. The individual who would like to become an internist must take subjects like chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and others. These help prepare the student for medical school, and they also ready students to take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®), which is a requirement for entry to medical schools in a number of regions. Most doctor training programs only accept students with strong MCAT® scores and equally good grades.

Residency is an important part of training for physicians that lasts from three to seven years.
Residency is an important part of training for physicians that lasts from three to seven years.

The first three years of medical school are devoted to intense study, and the fourth year is an internship year, giving students the chance to practice and learn about the various specialties they might choose. Spending some time working with internists is a good way to affirm the choice to become an internist. Strong grades in medical school and in any internship rotations give students a better chance of getting a residency spot in internal medicine.

Most doctor training programs only accept students with strong MCAT scores and equally good grades.
Most doctor training programs only accept students with strong MCAT scores and equally good grades.

During the internship year, the student will apply to residency matching programs to become an internist. If accepted, individuals spend three to four more years of intense training in their specialty. At the residency’s conclusion, doctors can take board examinations, be certified as specialists, and begin their careers.

Alternately, some physicians take their boards and then spend a year or two more in a subspecialty fellowship. Cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, and endocrinology are all recognized subspecialties for the internist. Other choices are geriatric medicine, infectious disease, rheumatology, and sleep medicine. Each training or fellowship program varies in length of time and requirements.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent PracticalAdultInsights contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent PracticalAdultInsights contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Some medical internists specialize in working with geriatric patients and their caregivers.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      Some medical internists specialize in working with geriatric patients and their caregivers.
    • Residency is an important part of training for physicians that lasts from three to seven years.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      Residency is an important part of training for physicians that lasts from three to seven years.
    • Most doctor training programs only accept students with strong MCAT scores and equally good grades.
      By: VIPDesign
      Most doctor training programs only accept students with strong MCAT scores and equally good grades.
    • An internist may choose to specialize in pulmonology.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      An internist may choose to specialize in pulmonology.