A Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a professional degree in the field of medicine. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school, and three to seven years of residency training in a specialty area such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, or psychiatry. MD holders are qualified to practice medicine, prescribe treatments, and provide patient care.
On the other hand, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-focused degree typically pursued in various academic disciplines such as science, humanities, social sciences, or business. It usually involves several years of coursework, research, and the completion of a dissertation that contributes original knowledge to the field. PhD holders are qualified to conduct independent research, teach at the university level, and pursue careers in academia, research institutions, or industries related to their field of study.
In terms of hierarchy or higher, it is not appropriate to compare the two degrees as they are not directly comparable. Both MD and PhD are prestigious degrees that lead to different career paths. The choice of pursuing either degree depends on individual career aspirations, interests, and professional goals.