* MD (Doctor of Medicine): An MD is a physician who is trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses and injuries. Their training focuses heavily on clinical practice – working directly with patients, performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting tests, and prescribing medications. MDs are licensed to practice medicine and provide direct patient care. Their training involves years of medical school, residency (specialized training in a specific area of medicine), and often fellowships (further sub-specialization).
* Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy): A Ph.D. is a research degree. Someone with a Ph.D. has conducted extensive original research in a specific field, demonstrating expertise and the ability to contribute new knowledge. While some Ph.D.s might work in medicine (e.g., a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering or pharmacology), they are not physicians. They don't typically treat patients directly. Their roles often involve research, teaching, or working in a laboratory setting. A Ph.D. in a medical-related field might collaborate with MDs, but they don't have the same clinical training or licensing.
In short: An MD is a medical practitioner; a Ph.D. is a researcher. While they might overlap in certain fields (like medical research), their roles and training are fundamentally different. You would go to an MD for medical care; you might consult someone with a Ph.D. for expertise in a particular medical research area.