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
1
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."
2
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."
3
Maryland: the two-letter postal abbreviation for the US state.
"Bethesda, MD 20814"
How to use MD
Learner’s notesIn 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 ↓
Common pairings
MD degree
MD PhD
board-certified MD
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She finished her _____ at Johns Hopkins in 2019.
Etymology
An initialism of Latin Medicinae Doctor, 'teacher of medicine'.
Synonyms
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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".
What is the meaning of MD?
"MD" (abbreviation) means doctor of Medicine: the professional degree qualifying a person to practise medicine, and the letters placed after the holder's name.
