How much Schooling is there to become a Physicist or a surgeon?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the educational pathways required to become a physicist or a neurosurgeon. Participants explore the duration and structure of schooling, including undergraduate, graduate, residency, and postdoctoral phases, while considering various branches of physics and surgery.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about choosing between becoming a neurosurgeon or a physicist and inquires about the necessary schooling.
  • Another participant provides a breakdown of the schooling required for both professions, noting that becoming a physicist typically requires 3-5 years of undergraduate study, 4-10 years of graduate study, and 4-12+ years of postdoctoral work.
  • A different participant mentions that the residency for neurosurgery is around eight years, adding that medical school takes four years, totaling approximately twelve years of education post-undergraduate.
  • One participant challenges the classification of postdoctoral work as 'schooling,' suggesting that postdocs in physics are considered physicists.
  • A participant shares anecdotal evidence about the extensive schooling required for surgeons, referencing family members who have pursued advanced degrees and certifications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various estimates and perspectives on the duration of schooling for both professions, with no clear consensus on the classification of postdoctoral work as schooling. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact educational requirements and the implications of different pathways.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on personal experiences and estimates, which may vary based on individual circumstances, specific programs, and geographic locations. The discussion does not resolve the nuances of each educational path.

Josh041
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im just really curious...
at the moment I am roughly stuck in the middle as to whether i want to become a surgeon, neurology preferably, or a Physicist,im still not completely sure about which branch, but I am inclining towards a Molecular, Astronomical, or theoretical.
Wages and salary arent really a determining factor for me.
At the moment, I am in my junior year in high school, so i was just wondering how much schooling i would require...
thanks for the answers.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You should be able to easily find this information, but here it is since I have it handy...
is that human of animal surgeon? I assume human...
I also assume this is in the US?
Physicist
Undergrad 3-5 years
grad 4-10 years
postdoc 4-12+ years

neurological surgeon
Undergrad 3-5 years
MD 4 years
phd (optional) 2-7 years
basic residency 6 years
research experience 0-2 years
fellowship (optional)(example:Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology ) 1-2 years

Hope you enjoy quantum field theory or biochemistry or both.

http://www.rush.edu/professionals/gme/neurosurgery/faculty.html
 
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I've heard that it's an eight year residency to be a neurosurgeon, so with the four years of medical school that's 12 years out of undergrad. Grad school in physics usually five years, plus at least one two-year post doc (usually more, so let's average out and call it three). And then if you're one of those lucky few who gets a tenure-track faculty position, it's another five years before you have a fully secure job as a physicist. So that's also about twelve years out of undergrad, with the +/- 1 that we introduced.

I guess it's the same either way.
 
I don't think postdoctoral work is considered 'schooling'. Postdocs in physics could legitimately be called physicists.
 
Becoming a Surgeon would take a lot of schooling. My uncle is in his mid-30s and just finished his certifications and stuff. My cousin has a PhD, MS, and Bachelors at the age of 26 and already has published stuff and is currently a professor conducting research.
 

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