How to Become a Board Certified Palliative Care Physician

Keep reading below for more details.

Step 1 – Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (4 Years)
Start with a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a pre-med program, to complete the necessary math and science prerequisites for medical school. Suggested coursework includes general and organic chemistry, biology, physics, calculus, microbiology, genetics, physiology, and some humanities and psychology classes. Maintaining high grades and preparing for the MCAT are essential.

Step 2 – Take the MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a critical step for medical school admission. It is a 7.5-hour exam divided into four sections:

• • Biological & Biochemical Foundations
  • Chemical & Physical Foundations
  • Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations
  • Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills

Step 3 – Earn a Medical Degree (4 Years)
Enroll in either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program. Both focus on similar treatments, but DO programs also emphasize osteopathic medicine.

Step 4 – Complete a Residency Program (3-8 Years)
Residency involves hands-on training under supervision in a specialty such as family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, or one of multiple other options. 

Step 5 – Complete a Fellowship in Palliative Care (1 Year)
After residency, pursue a one-year accredited fellowship in palliative care. This specialized training expands your expertise in hospice and palliative medicine. Some programs may include additional tracks in research, geriatrics, or public health.