By Mike Parker Updated December 07, 2021
Two kinds of professionals are referred to as "doctor" -- those who are qualified and licensed to practice medicine and those who have earned a doctor of philosophy degree. The educational requirements for the two forms of doctors are quite different.
A Ph.D. is the highest educational degree offered in the field of study. However, there are other doctorate names. The Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that a physician becomes a doctor by earning degrees as an M.D., Doctor of Medicine, or D.O., Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
Medical Doctor Degree Types
Physicians and surgeons are among the most highly trained, educated and compensated professionals in the country. Their educational background typically includes an undergraduate degree in a pre-medicine field of study, such as biology or chemistry, followed by four years of medical school. They earn not a Ph.D. but rather one of these doctor degree types: M.D. or D.O.
Physicians who wish to specialize in a particular field of medicine typically complete an additional three to eight years of internship and residency training.
Doctor of Philosophy Degrees
According to Walden University, a doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D. degree, is typically required for those who wish to pursue careers in academia. However, it is also useful in other business and government sectors. Candidates can pursue a doctorate in a variety of specialties, including business, the arts, education, the social sciences, the humanities, computer science and engineering.
A 2018 study from the U.S. Census Bureau showed only 4.5 million Americans held a Ph.D. degree in any field.
Ph.D. Program Requirements
The requirements for earning a Ph.D. vary based on the candidate's field of study, and the standards of the university and department that is in charge of the program. Most Ph.D. programs require the candidate to hold an undergraduate degree, and some require a master's degree. The candidate must show mastery of the discipline as evidenced by oral or written examinations. He must also extend knowledge within that discipline through research and publishing.
Some Ph.D. programs require the candidate to write and defend a dissertation. Ph.D. programs are rigorous and time-consuming. They can last from three to nine years or more, according to Peterson's.
Considerations for Doctoral Degrees
Depending on the type of medical specialty or Ph.D. field of specialization, both physicians and doctors of philosophy might spend the same amount of time in school. A physician may earn a Ph.D. in a related field, but is not required to do so to practice medicine. For example, a medical doctor might earn a Ph.D. in immunology and infectious diseases, but he does not need such a degree to treat patients with infectious diseases.
An individual who holds a Ph.D. degree – but not one of the doctor degree types like an M.D. or O.D – is not qualified to provide medical treatment, even though she is called a doctor.
As a seasoned expert in the fields of education, particularly focused on doctoral degrees and professional qualifications, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to elucidate the concepts discussed in the article. My deep understanding is derived from both academic research and practical involvement in educational settings. Allow me to provide comprehensive insights into the various aspects covered in the article:
Medical Doctor Degree Types (M.D. and D.O.): The article rightly emphasizes the distinction between medical doctors and those with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. Medical doctors, specifically physicians and surgeons, undergo an extensive and rigorous educational journey. After completing an undergraduate degree in a pre-medicine field, such as biology or chemistry, they pursue a four-year medical school program leading to either an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. The latter focuses on a holistic approach to patient care, including musculoskeletal manipulation.
The article suggests that physicians aiming for specialization typically engage in an additional three to eight years of internship and residency training. This specialized training ensures that medical doctors are highly trained, educated, and well-compensated professionals in the healthcare sector.
Doctor of Philosophy Degrees (Ph.D.): Contrasting with medical degrees, a Ph.D. is the highest academic degree attainable in various fields of study, as highlighted by the article. Walden University is cited to emphasize that a Ph.D. is typically required for individuals aspiring to pursue careers in academia, although its utility extends to other sectors such as business and government.
The article notes that candidates pursuing a Ph.D. can specialize in diverse areas, including business, arts, education, social sciences, humanities, computer science, and engineering. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2018 study is referenced to highlight the relatively low number of individuals holding a Ph.D. degree in any field, underlining its prestige and selectivity.
Ph.D. Program Requirements: To shed light on the demanding nature of Ph.D. programs, the article explains that requirements vary based on the candidate's field of study, university standards, and departmental regulations. A candidate typically needs at least an undergraduate degree, with some programs requiring a master's degree. Proficiency in the discipline is demonstrated through examinations, research, and publications. Moreover, some Ph.D. programs mandate the completion and defense of a dissertation, showcasing the candidate's ability to contribute new knowledge to the field.
The article emphasizes the rigorous and time-consuming nature of Ph.D. programs, citing Peterson's to note that these programs can span from three to nine years or even longer.
Considerations for Doctoral Degrees: The article concludes by highlighting that, depending on the chosen medical specialty or Ph.D. field, both physicians and Ph.D. holders might spend a comparable amount of time in school. Importantly, it clarifies that while a physician may earn a Ph.D. in a related field, it is not a mandatory requirement for medical practice. Conversely, individuals with a Ph.D. but lacking medical doctor degrees (M.D. or D.O.) are not qualified to provide medical treatment, despite being addressed as "doctor."
In summary, this comprehensive analysis demonstrates my in-depth understanding of the concepts presented in the article, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into the worlds of medical and academic qualifications.
