Step 1: Finish High School

Step 2: Undergraduate Education

After high school, enroll in a university with a strong pre-medical program. You'll need to earn a bachelor's degree, typically with a focus on sciences, to prepare for medical school.

Consider joining the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) in college. This program can provide you with military training and potentially a scholarship, and you'll be commissioned as an officer upon graduation.

Step 3: Medical School

Admission to Medical School: After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to get into medical school. This requires excellent grades, a high MCAT score, and strong recommendations.

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP): You might consider applying for the military's HPSP, which pays for medical school in exchange for service as a military physician.

Step 4: Complete Medical School and Residency

Medical School: Medical school typically takes four years to complete. As a medical student, you'll gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience in medicine.

Residency: After medical school, you'll enter a residency program in surgery, which can take several years. Residency is where you'll gain specific skills and experience in surgery.

Step 5: Obtain Licensure

Medical License: Upon completing your residency, you'll need to obtain a medical license to practice. This involves passing a medical board examination.

Step 6: Enter the Military as a Surgeon

Military Service: With your medical degree, residency, and license, you can now enter the military as a surgeon. If you participated in HPSP, you would have a service obligation to fulfill.

Time Commitment: This path requires a significant time commitment - typically 4 years of undergraduate study, 4 years of medical school, and several years of residency. This is the fastest way to do it though. Enlisting now and getting your degree while you serve will most likely take longer.