Current means of obtaining a MD degree in the UK

To investigate the current means of obtaining a MD a questionnaire was sent to 55 doctors who had obtained a MD in a paediatric subject between 1984 and 1993; 53 (93%) responses were obtained. Ten (18%) of the respondents had done their MD during a clinical post. The remainder had research posts lasting 10–87 months (median 24). Only 29% of those in research posts were able to submit their MD by the end of their post. The time from submitting the MD to confirmation that it had been obtained was 21–102 months (median 54). Of those in research posts 0–80% (median 20) of their time was spent on non-research related activities and 45% had regular on call commitments. It took 2–15 months (median 6) before candidates received their MD back from their examiners. Altogether 46% of candidates had to make revisions to their MD and 47% of candidates had a viva. There is great variation in the current means of obtaining a MD and it is suggested that nationwide regulations are adopted for the conduct of MD degrees.