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Medical Doctor (MD) FAQ
A large percentage of health care providers in the United States are Medical Doctors. This page will help you to better understand Allopathic Medicine and Medical Doctors.
What is a Medical Doctor (MD)?
What are the professional standards for an MD?
MD Licensing and Certification
What is a Medical Doctor (MD)?
Physicians can be Medical Doctors (MD) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). MD's are often called allopathic doctors and are the most common type of physician. Physician can practice in one or more specialties, such as family medicine, pediatrics and surgery.
What are the professional standards for an MD?
Medical Doctors (MDs) must complete at least 3 years of undergraduate college plus 4 years of medical school. As of 2008 there were 129 accredited medical schools in the United States. After medical school, MD's enter residency in their area of specialty, usually working in a hospital.
MD Licensing and Certification
Medical Doctors are required to be licensed by all states and U.S. territories. Physicians are required to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and must graduate from an accredited medical school to take the exam. Graduates from medical schools outside the United States are usually required to complete a U.S. residency before qualifying to take the licensing exam. After completing residency or 1 to 2 years of practice, a final exam is necessary for certification by the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS).
Disclaimer: Embrace Health, Inc. and Michelle Moore do not endorse any particular health care provider. You must satisfy for yourself the validity of the professional qualifications and standing of any health care provider you contact as a result of a listing in our Infection Care Network™ or any of our website or published materials and resources.
