Is it quicker to become a doctor in the US or UK?

Asked by: Miss Clemmie Ruecker DDS  |  Last update: September 19, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (53 votes)

In the USA, postgraduate training quality is recognised as a similar standard as to the UK but is much shorter and so means you can become a senior or fully qualified doctor/consultant in as quick as four years compared to at least ten in the UK.

Is it easier to become doctor in UK or US?

The US and the UK both have excellent medical school programs. While they differ a bit in structure, the time it takes to become a doctor is similar in either country.

Is it easier to become a doctor in the UK?

Like any other country, the time taken to become a doctor in the United Kingdom is quite long. The average time it takes to become a doctor in the UK is around 16 years. This includes your medical degree, foundation programme, and specialty training.

Is UK or US better for doctors?

I'm guessing you are an American and you might not like to hear the true answer to your question but UK (and most European) Doctors (and especially surgeons) are generally regarded as better than those in the US because they train for longer under a more stringent regime and they specialise later.

Is it easier to become doctor in USA?

Becoming a Doctor In the USA is lengthy and requires extreme dedication to the field and strong willpower. You can start preparing for medical school from the high school level by completing the Advanced Placement (AP) courses in biology, chemistry, physics, etc.

Why a UK doctor moved to the USA! Lifestyle? Marriage? Money?

34 related questions found

How long does it take to become a doctor in UK?

How long is the training to become a doctor? It partly depends on the qualifications you have before going to medical school, and the type of doctor you want to be. For example as a guide, it'll take around 10 years to train as a GP (including medical school) and 14 years to train as a surgeon.

Why does it take so long to become a doctor in the US?

Why Is the Process of Becoming a Doctor So Long? Becoming a doctor takes so many years because it involves a lot of education and responsibility. Doctors need a license before practicing. You can get a license only when you have enough years of training and experience.

Do doctors get paid more in UK or US?

Good news—consumer prices are lower, and living is slightly more affordable than in the States. But at a price: UK MDs get paid less than American MDs. A single person's monthly living costs in the UK are around £2,500. Most physicians make more than that monthly, depending on experience.

Can a doctor from US work in UK?

Doctors qualifying from outside the UK may be eligible to apply directly for full registration if they hold an acceptable primary medical qualification and have completed a period of postgraduate clinical experience (internship). A doctor will need to provide documentary evidence to support their application.

Who pays more for healthcare UK or US?

Reality Check verdict: If you look at every penny spent on health by anyone in the country, then the UK spends about half as much on health as the US does. But if you compare the amount spent on the NHS with the amount spent by the US government on public healthcare, the difference is much smaller.

Do doctors live comfortably in UK?

That doesn't mean relocating to the UK isn't worth it, though. While the cost of energy bills and food shops might be on the rise, doctors still earn a very competitive salary, so if you move to the UK to become an NHS doctor, you can expect to live very comfortably. Also, the NHS offers excellent perks for its staff.

What age do most doctors graduate UK?

The majority of junior doctors in the UK are between 23 and 35 years old. You become a junior doctor immediately after graduating from medical school, with people generally qualifying between the ages of 23 and 27. There is in fact no upper limit on how old a junior doctor can be.

How many years it takes to become a doctor in USA?

How many years do I have to study to become a doctor? In the US, you must complete a four-year undergraduate program, attend medical school for four years and spend between three to seven years as a resident. That means you have to study and work between 10 to 14 years to become a doctor. 2.

Why do doctors earn more in US than UK?

In the US, only doctors who have qualified in the US can practice, limiting competition. In the UK, pretty much anyone who ever qualified anywhere can practice. This leads to a lot of recruitment of doctors from poorer countries which has a limiting effect on doctors salaries.

Are doctors paid well in UK?

Specialty doctors and specialist payscale

If you're working as a specialty doctor you'll earn a basic salary of £50,373 to £78,759. If you are a specialist grade doctor you'll earn a basic salary of £80,693 to £91,584.

In which country is it hardest to become a doctor?

The toughest countries in which to become a doctor are the United States and Canada, since both of these countries require completion of an undergraduate degree first.

Can you practice medicine in UK with US license?

Many physicians trained in the USA can now register to work in the UK using their USMLE licensure. Whilst it is not a qualification, the GMC now accepts the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) as evidence of the appropriate skills and knowledge required to be granted registration with a license to practice.

What is the salary of a doctor in the United States?

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a medical doctor in the U.S. is $1,65,347 (around INR 13 million) per year. The highest average annual wage was $208,000 (Around INR 17 million) which went up from the lowest of $126,470 (Around INR 10 million).

Can UK doctors work in USA without residency?

Doctors who are already on the UK specialist register may be able to apply for partial exemption from the residency programme requirement. To check if you are eligible, you should contact the relevant specialty board in the US.

Is it better to work in the UK or US?

Working conditions in both countries can vary depending on the industry and employer. Generally, the UK offers more vacation time and a balanced work-life balance, while the US has a more competitive job market and longer working hours. Lastly, taxes differ between the two countries.

What country pays doctors the most?

Surprisingly, Luxembourg is considered the most lucrative country for doctors around the world. Luxembourg is a small country in Western Europe, its population is around 632000. Luxembourg is among the top 10 countries that offer high quality of life around the world.

Which city in UK pays doctors the most?

Some of the highest paying cities for doctors in the United Kingdom are:
  • London – Average 203,000 GBP per year.
  • Leeds – Average 201,000 GBP per year.
  • Sheffield – Average 200,000 GBP per year.
  • Birmingham – Average 200,000 GBP per year.
  • Bristol – Average 197,000 GBP per year.
  • Leicester – Average 194,000 GBP per year.

Is 27 too old for medical school?

There is no age limit for medical school. You can become a doctor in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s. In the end, medical schools want students who will make good physicians. Age is not a factor.

What is the hardest medical doctor to become?

Based on our comprehensive analysis, the top most competitive specialties are as follows:
  • Plastic Surgery.
  • ENT.
  • Dermatology.
  • Orthopedic Surgery.
  • Neurosurgery.
  • Thoracic Surgery.
  • Urology.
  • Vascular Surgery.

In which country becoming a doctor is easiest?

In What Country Is It Easiest to Become a Doctor?
  • India has one of the shortest medical school programs at four and a half years. ...
  • Germany requires the completion of a five-year education program to become a doctor. ...
  • Six years of undergraduate study must be completed to become a doctor in Nigeria.