Education · 1 of 4

The path

Thirteen or fourteen years after high school. Endocrinology is a subspecialty, so you become an internal medicine doctor first.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology and chemistry above all, with the grades to get into a strong college program.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major, as long as you finish the pre-medical science courses and sit the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

3. 3

   Medical school

   4 years

   Two years of science, two years of hospital rotations. You graduate as a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).

4. 4

   Internal medicine residency

   3 years

   Wards, clinics and intensive care. Paid, supervised, and the foundation for everything after.

5. 5

   Endocrinology fellowship

   2 to 3 years

   Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. Two years for clinical training, three if you add research.

6. 6

   Board certification

   After each stage

   Certify in internal medicine first with the American Board of Internal Medicine, then in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism.