What kind of degree do you need for a career as an internist?

To have a career as an internist, you would need a medical degree such as the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.) (earned in U.S.), Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.), or Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBBS/MBChB). After earning a medical degree from an accredited medical school, to be an internist you'll have to complete an internal medicine residency and sit for board certification.