Doctor (title) facts for kids

A doctor is a special title given to someone who has completed a very high level of education at a university. It's like reaching the top level in a specific subject! When someone earns this degree, they can often use the title "Doctor" before their name.

This title is earned by passing a tough exam or writing a long research paper called a thesis. The exact rules depend on what subject they are studying. A doctor's degree is considered a higher achievement than a bachelor's degree, which is usually the first degree you get in college.

What Does a Doctor Do?

While many people think of doctors as medical professionals, the title "Doctor" can actually be used by experts in many different fields. However, in everyday life, it's most often used for medical doctors.

Medical Doctors

Medical doctors are the ones who help people stay healthy. They examine patients, figure out what's wrong (diagnose), and then decide on the best way to treat them. They can work as general doctors, helping with common illnesses, or they can choose to specialize in one area.

Some common specializations include:

• Pediatrics: Doctors who care for babies, children, and teenagers.
• Anesthesiology: Doctors who give medicine to make you sleep during surgery.
• Cardiology: Doctors who focus on the heart.

Becoming a medical doctor takes a lot of hard work! It requires a special doctoral degree in medicine and many years of hands-on training in hospitals. Medical doctors also need a special license to practice, and many specialists need extra certifications.

Other Kinds of Doctors

The title "Doctor" isn't just for medical professionals. It's also used for people who have achieved the highest level of education in other subjects.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): This is a very common type of doctorate. People earn a PhD for doing a lot of research and writing a detailed paper (a thesis) on almost any subject, from history to science to literature.
• Doctor of Law (JD): This degree is for people who want to become lawyers.

Honorary Doctorates

Sometimes, universities give a special "honorary doctorate" to people who have done amazing things in their field, even if they didn't complete all the usual studies. It's a way to recognize their great contributions to society or a specific area of knowledge. These are often called "Doctor h.c." which means "for the sake of honor."

Images for kids

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  Former Vassar president Catharine Bond Hill wearing doctoral robes. She has a doctorate and can thus carry the title of "Doctor".

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  An Ancient Greek Marble Consecration Relief to a Heroic Doctor

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  A doctor receiving her PhD degree during a graduation ceremony.