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 starting [corrected] 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.