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This question is about medical doctor education.
What degree do you need to be a medical doctor?
You need a doctorate degree in medicine to be a medical doctor. To obtain a career as a physician, you must obtain a doctorate degree as either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
The path to medical school is a lengthy one. First, a bachelor's degree must be obtained. The focus on this isn't specific so long as you take your medical school prerequisites. Next, you take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
You must pass this test before applying to medical school. Finally, once accepted, you will need to choose to attend a nationally accredited medical school and spend a minimum of the next four years earning your doctorate degree.
The training doesn't stop with the degree. Depending on your focus area, you will spend the next three to nine years after graduation completing a residency. Upon completing the residency, a doctor must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA).
Once this is all done, a doctor can finally become an attending physician and take care of patients independently.
Obtaining your doctorate in medicine prepares you as a student and resident to eventually practice independently. The education and experience gained within the degree process are necessary and required to become a practicing and independent doctor.
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