Medicine & Science?

Question

How long does most doctors be in Practice before going into their own private practice?

Answer 1

Theoretically you can go into your own practice as soon as you finish medical school and get a license from your state, but you won't get any hospital privileges. For that you must take a qualified residency.

Furthermore, to participate in Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans, you have to be credentialed. You won't unless you are specialty board certified, or at least board eligible. The credentialing process takes 6 - 12 months. You starve in the meantime. Hence, nowadays most doctors join an established group.