The Difference in PhD and MD
A Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, can be obtained in most fields of study, while an MD, or Medical Doctor or Doctor of Medicine, is geared solely toward studying and practicing in the field of medicine. Although it requires much effort and many years of study, a person can actually earn both a Ph.D. and an MD. Both are terminal degrees that require the prospective degree holder to be well versed in his chosen career fields.
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Fields of Study
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Any person intending to obtain the highest advanced education in a particular subject can get a doctoral degree. An MD specifically pertains to a degree in medicine, where a doctor specially trained in medical science works in a clinical job, treats sick people or conducts surgery. A Ph.D. is strictly an academic degree that can be earned in various fields in the arts and sciences. It is obtained through academic research and publication. Ph.D. programs often are focused on the research side of a career field instead of the more practical side of an art or science.
You can obtain a Ph.D. in many possible fields, including music, law, literature and ministry. You can obtain an MD with a focus in many different areas as well, but they all pertain to the medical science field, such as pediatrics, general surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, ophthalmology or gynecology.
Degree Requirements
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A prospective Ph.D. student generally must first have a master's degree relative to the field being pursued for a doctoral degree. Because it is an academic or professional degree, the student typically must complete the most advanced level of study and make new discoveries through a dissertation or research.
The MD degree is awarded to a person intending to apply practical knowledge in medical fields such as surgery, psychology or physiology. One must first be a medical school graduate eligible for residency training and board certification. The board exam issued in the preferred state of practice is the final step to become a licensed medical doctor.
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Time Frame
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A Ph.D. generally requires finishing a master's degree, which usually takes two to three years. After which, the graduate student chooses a course of study for a doctoral degree that lasts another one or two years, then pre-doctoral and post-doctoral internships lasting at least another two years. Obtaining of the degree is primarily based on the student's submission of a thesis paper, which is more distinctly referred to as a dissertation. In addition, the degree often costs less money compared to earning an MD.
An MD demands finishing a four-year study in medical school. To qualify, a prospective MD student must first have a Bachelor of Science degree. Unlike in a Ph.D. program where a master's degree often is a prerequisite, a bachelor's degree holder can readily pursue an MD degree once accepted by a medical school's competitive selection process. Although the actual MD degree requires a considerably shorter time to obtain than a completed Ph.D., medical practice still entails two years of course work and two years of rotational work in hospitals and/or clinics to be considered a fully trained medical doctor. Medical students must also pass the board examination to acquire a license to practice medicine. In addition, continuing education and certification are required to keep the license valid, which should be regularly renewed according to the regulations of the state where the doctor practices.
Practicing the Profession
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There is a well-defined difference in the professional practice of Ph.D. and MD degree holders. Getting a Ph.D. is the ideal educational path for those who want to focus on research and academic education in their chosen arts or science fields. Most Ph.D. holders aim to improve their career prospects, and they typically are interested in teaching, research and academic work. They usually become professors in universities or scientists, mathematicians and researchers in various private companies or even federal agencies.
Getting an MD is the required path for a person who intends to work as a medical doctor in a clinic, hospital or other medical facility to diagnose illnesses, treat the sick and conduct medical operations in his chosen field of medical expertise.
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