What training and licenses do you need to become a plastic surgeon?

After four years of college, you need four years of medical school (which leads to the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree). After that, a three or four year general surgery residency is completed, followed by three years of plastic surgery specialty training.

So, a D.O. or M.D. degree is needed, along with a state medical license and, for full qualification, a board certification in general surgery and a board certification in plastic surgery.

Most of all, you need a one day at a time attitude toward learning, so as not to become overwhelmed by seeing all the requirements at one sitting.