Understanding the Medical Doctorate (MD vs. DO)
When people ask, “Do you need a doctorate to be a general surgeon?” they are often thinking of a PhD, a Doctor of Philosophy, which is a research degree. However, the doctorate required for a surgeon is a medical degree, specifically a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
- MD (Doctor of Medicine): The most common medical degree, focusing on an allopathic approach to medicine, which emphasizes diagnosis and treatment of disease with conventional medical and surgical methods.
- DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine): This degree takes a holistic, whole-person approach to medicine. DOs can practice and perform surgery in any specialty, just like MDs, but receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system and a hands-on treatment known as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).
Graduates of both MD and DO programs are fully licensed physicians and surgeons in all 50 states and can enter the same residency programs.
The Rigorous Path to General Surgery
Becoming a general surgeon is a long and arduous process that requires immense dedication. The journey typically takes a minimum of 13 years post-high school to complete.
Step 1: Undergraduate Education (4 years)
This step involves earning a bachelor's degree. While many aspiring surgeons major in science fields like biology or chemistry, it is not strictly required. The key is to complete pre-medical coursework in subjects such as organic chemistry, physics, and biology while maintaining a high GPA. This period also involves preparing for and taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Step 2: Medical School (4 years)
After undergraduate school, aspiring surgeons attend a four-year medical school to earn either an MD or DO degree. The first two years focus on classroom learning and foundational science, while the final two years consist of clinical rotations. During these rotations, students gain hands-on experience in various specialties, including surgery, under the supervision of experienced physicians.
Step 3: General Surgery Residency (5-7 years)
Upon graduation from medical school, the real surgical training begins. General surgery residency is an intensive, five- to seven-year program where new doctors learn their craft through practical experience in a hospital setting. Residents rotate through different surgical sub-specialties, gaining proficiency in a wide range of procedures and increasing levels of responsibility. This phase is physically and mentally demanding, with long hours and high-stakes decisions.
Medical Doctorate vs. Research Doctorate (PhD)
While a general surgeon must hold an MD or DO, some surgeons also pursue a PhD. This is typically done through a specialized MD-PhD program, which combines medical training with several years of research. This path is for those who want to blend clinical practice with scientific investigation, often pursuing academic or research-focused careers.
Comparison of MD/DO vs. MD/PhD
| Feature | MD/DO | MD/PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Clinical patient care and treatment | Research and generating new scientific knowledge |
| Primary Degree | MD or DO | Both MD/DO and PhD |
| Typical Duration | 4 years medical school + 5-7 years residency | 7-8 years combined program + 5-7 years residency |
| Research Component | Incorporated into training but not primary focus | Extensive, independent research culminating in a dissertation |
| Career Path | Practicing clinician, surgeon | Physician-scientist, academic research, teaching |
| Is it required for practice? | Yes | No |
Licensing and Board Certification
Following residency, general surgeons must obtain a state medical license by passing a national exam. For MDs, this is the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), and for DOs, it is the COMLEX (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination), though many DOs also take the USMLE.
After licensure, a surgeon can become board-certified through the American Board of Surgery (ABS). This voluntary but highly prestigious certification involves passing rigorous qualifying and certifying exams, demonstrating a high level of surgical skill and knowledge. It is a strong indicator of a surgeon's commitment to excellence and continuing education. For more information, you can visit the American Board of Surgery website at https://www.absurgery.org/.
What if you only have a PhD?
It's important to clarify that a PhD alone does not qualify an individual to practice medicine or perform surgery. While a PhD holder can technically be called a "doctor," they are not a medical doctor. Their training focuses on research and academia, not on clinical patient care. Combining an MD or DO with a PhD is the only way to hold both the clinical and research degrees necessary to be a practicing, research-oriented surgeon.
The Conclusion: A Medical Doctorate is the Key
Ultimately, the question of whether you need a doctorate to be a general surgeon comes down to the type of doctorate. You absolutely need a medical doctorate (an MD or DO) and extensive, multi-year surgical residency training to become a licensed and practicing general surgeon. A separate research-based PhD is not a requirement for clinical practice but is a pathway for those seeking to contribute to surgical advancements through research and academia. The path is long, but it is this rigorous and layered educational process that ensures general surgeons are among the most highly trained and skilled professionals in the medical field.
The Demanding Reality of a Surgical Career
Beyond the degrees, the life of a general surgeon is one of intense pressure, long hours, and high responsibility. It requires exceptional dexterity, problem-solving skills, and physical stamina, often involving emergency procedures and irregular schedules. The decision to become a surgeon is a commitment to a lifelong path of learning and demanding work, but for those with the passion and skills, it can be an incredibly rewarding career. The journey ensures that only the most dedicated and competent individuals are entrusted with the critical task of performing surgery and managing patient care.
