abbreviation

MD

em-DEE

MD (abbreviation) means Doctor of Medicine: the professional degree qualifying a person to practise medicine, and the letters placed after the holder's name. Example: “She finished her MD at Johns Hopkins in 2019.”

abbreviation

Doctor of Medicine: the professional degree qualifying a person to practise medicine, and the letters placed after the holder's name.

"She finished her MD at Johns Hopkins in 2019."

"The report was co-authored by Priya Nair, MD."

Managing director: the senior executive who runs a company's day-to-day operations, and in investment banking a senior rank.

"He was promoted to MD of the European division."

Maryland: the two-letter postal abbreviation for the US state.

"Bethesda, MD 20814"

How to Use MD

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe letters after a doctor's name showing they qualified in medicine.

When to use it

Formal in the medical and business senses. American style usually drops the full stops (MD); older British style may write M.D.

Memory tip

Set it off with a comma after a name: "Alan Reid, MD, will chair the panel."

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

DO → MBBS PhD → MDs

Common pairings

MD degree MD PhD board-certified MD

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She finished her _____ at Johns Hopkins in 2019.

Etymology

An initialism of Latin Medicinae Doctor, 'teacher of medicine'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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Doctor of Medicine physician managing director chief executive

Related Words

president director physical doctor manager governor CEO physician

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an MD and a DO?

Both are fully licensed physicians in the United States with the same practising rights. MDs train in allopathic medical schools, while DOs train in osteopathic schools that add instruction in manipulative treatment of the musculoskeletal system.

What is the difference between an MD and a PhD?

An MD is a professional degree that qualifies you to treat patients; a PhD is a research degree awarded for an original contribution to knowledge. Some doctors hold both, written MD PhD.

Is it correct to write "Dr Jane Smith, MD"?

Style guides advise choosing one or the other, since both mark the same qualification. Write either "Dr Jane Smith" or "Jane Smith, MD".

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