What Does the MD in Doctor Stand For?

In the field of medicine there are two types of medical schools and medical degrees available. The first is the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and the second is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). The curricula to obtain a degree from these medical schools is almost identical and State licensing, residency programs and hospitals view these both as equal medical degrees.

Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree: A doctor of medicine attends a four-year medical school and learns traditional medical theory and practice. In traditional medical practice, diseases and health are evaluated and treated based primarily on symptoms or attributes associated specifically with the health condition.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree: A doctor of osteopathy attends a four-year osteopathic school and learns holistic medicine as well as traditional medicine. The focus of holistic medicine is evaluating illnesses and health in the context of the "whole patient."


In order to become a physician, each student must complete four years of undergraduate training, four years of medical school, and additional years of internship and residency. During the period of internship, they work with patients under the supervision of physicians in many areas including internal medicine, psychiatry, gynecology, and surgery. Many MDs receive graduate medical education in a particular specialty through a paid residency that they complete in a hospital. Many DOs participate in a 12-month internship and a residency that may extend into six years.

To be licensed in the United States, physicians must graduate from an accredited medical school, pass board examinations, and receive one to seven years of graduate education, depending upon their specialty. In order to receive board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the physician must pass another examination within two years of practice. Some doctors become Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), meaning that the doctor's education, training, competence, and ethical conduct has passed an intensive assessment consistent with the standards of the College of Surgeons. The doctor may also complete more training in a sub-specialty.

Dr. Powell of FemSmart and Androsmart is a local medical cosmetics doctor who holds a Doctor of Medicine Degree (MD.)