How Do You Write An MD Degree?

Quick Fix:

What’s Happening with “M.D.” Formatting

In the United States, the MD degree is typically written as M.D. when it follows a person’s name. These days the periods are optional, though a few style guides still insist on them. The key point? Once you pick a format, stick with it across your résumé, email signature, and any professional document.

Meanwhile, other countries have their own conventions. For instance, the UK prefers MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), while Canada usually drops the periods and goes with MD. Generally, you’ll want to match the expectations of your audience and the regional norms.

Step-by-Step Solution for Writing “M.D.” After Your Name

Step 1: Confirm Your Style Guide

• If you’re writing for a U.S. medical school or hospital, check their internal style guide first; most accept either M.D. or MD.
• For academic papers, follow the APA Style (7th ed.), which recommends M.D. with periods.
• When drafting business or media copy, the Associated Press Stylebook (AP Style) allows either form but leans toward no periods.

Step 2: Format in a Sentence

1. Use this simple structure: [Full Name], M.D.
2. For example: Dr. Elena Vasquez, M.D., will speak at the conference.
3. In a formal list you might see: Dr. James Lee, M.D.; Dr. Priya Patel, Ph.D.; Dr. Robert Chen, M.D.

Step 3: Format in a Signature or Letterhead

1. In a professional email signature:

   Jane Smith, M.D.
   Board-Certified Cardiologist
   Heart Health Clinic

2. On a business card:

   Jane Smith
   M.D., FACC

Step 4: Format Multiple Degrees

1. Order degrees by importance or relevance to the context.
2. Separate each degree with commas.
3. For instance, you could write Dr. Naomi Patel, M.D., Ph.D. or Dr. Samuel Lee, M.D., MBA.

If This Didn’t Work (Alternative Approaches)

1. Check Institutional Requirements

• Some universities and hospitals mandate a specific format. For example, the Mayo Clinic style guide insists on M.D. with periods in official documents.
• If you’re submitting a manuscript to a medical journal, peek at the journal’s submission guidelines; many follow ICMJE guidelines, which accept either format.

2. Use a Style Converter Tool

• Tools like Citation Machine or Zotero can automatically format academic titles correctly.
• For resumes, try LinkedIn’s built-in title formatting or Microsoft Word’s Insert > Quick Parts > Field > Title feature.

3. Ask Your HR or Communications Department

• Most large organizations have a standardized format for employee titles. For instance, Cleveland Clinic uses M.D. with periods in internal communications.
• If you’re a resident or fellow, your program director or coordinator can tell you the preferred format.

Prevention Tips: Avoid Common Formatting Mistakes

Use a Consistent Template

• Create a document template with your name and degrees pre‑formatted; this guarantees consistency across all materials.
• Save the template as a PDF to preserve formatting when you share it with others.

Set Up Auto‑Correct in Word or Google Docs

1. In Microsoft Word: File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options
   • Replace MD with M.D. (or the reverse) depending on your chosen style.
2. In Google Docs: Tools > Preferences
   • Add a substitution rule for your preferred format, so the software does the heavy lifting.

Verify Regional and International Standards

Check for Updates in Style Guides

• Style guides evolve over time. The Chicago Manual of Style (18th ed.) now permits both M.D. and MD formats.
• For legal or regulatory documents, confirm the preferred style with the relevant board—for example, the FSMB.

When in Doubt, Ask for Clarification

• If you’re unsure about the expected format for a specific context—say, a conference program, grant application, or hospital directory—reach out to the organizer or administrator directly.
• Most organizations are happy to clarify their formatting requirements, which helps you avoid embarrassing mistakes.