Learning and education are never ending process. Even after your master’s degree, you can still go for acquiring the highest degree such as MD and PhD.
MD and PhD both are prestigious degrees with different aims and demands.
MD refers to – Doctor of medicine
PhD refers to – Doctor of philosophy
Some people get confused between these two degrees. Therefore, in this article, we are going to share with you the details about these two highly-rated degrees so that you can understand separately the meaning of MD and PhD (MD vs. PhD)
MD vs PhD
Similarities between MD and PhD
• MD and PhD both are higher and prestigious degrees.
• It is compulsory to have a lower degree in a particular field to apply for MD or PhD.
• These both degrees are expensive as students mostly need to take loans to acquire these degrees.
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Difference Between MD and PhD
1. Name meaning
The primary distinction between the two degrees is in their full names: one is a Doctor of Medicine (MD), while the other is just a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Origin
The MD is older than the PhD, having been established in a mediaeval Arabic institution in the 9th century. The PhD, on the other hand, has only been in use since the Middle Ages and has only recently become popular in European universities.
3. Who can apply for it
For students who are unaware, the MD can only be obtained by persons who have studied medicine to a lower degree. The PhD, on the other hand, can be earned by people in a variety of professions, including science and art.
4. Job Description
The PhD is exclusively a research-based degree while the MD job description allows a person who receives this degree to treat patients and prescribe drugs for patients.
5. Requirements
MD – The requirements for acquiring each degree are distinct. Two years of education and two years of rotational work in a hospital are required for the MD.
PhD – The PhD programme requires you to present a thesis, which must be assessed by specialists and defended by you.
6. Duration
Another difference to be aware of is the duration of the study. The MD programme takes four years to finish, whereas the PhD programme takes four to seven years.
7. Prestige
The MD and PhD are both highly regarded degrees, but over time, there have been claims that the PhD is more renowned. So, if you want to get a more prestigious degree, a PhD is the way to go.
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Conclusion
After weighing the parallels and differences between the two degrees, one might be tempted to pursue a PhD. This, however, should be highly dependant on what you hope to achieve by earning the degree.I hope this article will clearly define the difference between MD vs. PhD.