To investigate the current means of obtaining a MD aquestionnaire was sent to 55 doctors who had obtained a MD in apaediatric subject between 1984 and 1993; 53 (93%) responses were obtained. Ten (18%) of the respondents had done their MD during a clinicalpost. The remainder had research posts lasting 10-87 months (median24). Only 29% of those in research posts were able to submit their MDby the end of their post. The time from submitting the MD toconfirmation that it had been obtained was 21-102 months (median 54).Of those in research posts 0-80% (median 20) of their time was spenton non-research related activities and 45% had regular on callcommitments. It took 2-15 months (median 6) before candidates receivedtheir MD back from their examiners. Altogether 46% of candidates hadto make revisions to their MD and 47% of candidates had a viva. There is great variation in the current means of obtaining a MD andit is suggested that nationwide regulations are adopted for the conductof MD degrees.
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