How to become a general practitioner in Washington, D.C.

To become a general practitioner in Washington, D.C., one must first complete a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or pre-med. After completing the undergraduate degree, one must then attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Medical school typically takes four years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations.

After completing medical school, aspiring general practitioners must complete a residency program in family medicine or internal medicine. Residency programs typically last three years and provide hands-on training in a clinical setting. During the residency program, residents work under the supervision of experienced physicians and gain experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions.

Once the residency program is complete, aspiring general practitioners must obtain a medical license from the District of Columbia Board of Medicine. This requires passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Additionally, general practitioners may choose to become board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine or the American Board of Internal Medicine.

In addition to completing the necessary education and training, aspiring general practitioners must also possess certain personal qualities such as strong communication skills, empathy, and a desire to help others. General practitioners must be able to work well under pressure and make quick decisions in emergency situations. They must also be able to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for their patients.