A professional medical degree held by physicians who diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, the Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a credential earned after extensive education, including medical school, clinical training, and licensing exams. MDs practice medicine and specialize in fields such as pediatrics, cardiology, or surgery.
Meaning and Jurisdiction
The MD degree varies by jurisdiction. In the United States and some other countries, the MD denotes a professional degree of physician. This arose because many in the 18th-century medical professions trained in Scotland, which used the MD degree nomenclature. In England, the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) was used, and in the 19th century, it became the standard in Scotland as well.
- Research doctorate: In the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other countries, the MD is a research doctorate, honorary doctorate, or applied clinical degree restricted to those who already hold a professional degree in medicine.
Education and Training
To earn an MD, candidates complete a rigorous educational path that includes undergraduate studies, medical school, and clinical training. This typically involves four years of medical school followed by residency and fellowship programs.
- Licensing exams: MDs must pass licensing exams, such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), to practice medicine legally.
Specializations
MDs can specialize in various fields, including but not limited to:
- Pediatrics: Focuses on the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
- Cardiology: Deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases.
- Surgery: Involves performing operations to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
