Question: Can I learn more about a physician's training?
From: Glori M. of Las Vegas, NV

Answer: Physicians undergo rigorous academic and clinical training. Medical schools tend to accept college graduates with at least a 3.5 GPA. After their undergraduate education, these future physicians face at least 7 years of formal education-4 of these are spent in medical school and at least 4 are spent in residency in a U.S. teaching hospital (3 years for a few general medicine residencies like family practice). The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) governs residency education and training requirements. Following residency, some physicians continue as fellows to gain further training in a specialty or subspecialty. Physicians must meet state licensing requirements. Another step for some physicians is board certification. This is optional for many specialties but certification involves rigorous testing and evaluation by peer physicians (check the American Board of Medical Specialties’ website to determine if your physician is board certified). States require physicians to have continuing medical education (CME) as do most hospitals. Board certified physicians must also meet annual continuing education requirements to maintain their certification. In my book, 7 Steps to Your Best Possible Healthcare, you will find training description of numerous medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties.