Doctor of Medicine is a doctoral degree for physicians (medical doctors). The degree is granted by medical schools. It is a first professional degree (qualifying degree) in some countries, including the United States and Canada, although training is entered after obtaining at least 90 credit hours of university level work. In other countries, such as United Kingdom and India, the MD is either an advanced academic research degree similar to a PhD or a higher doctorate. In Britain, Ireland, and many Commonwealth nations, the qualifying medical degree is instead the Bachelor of Science in Medicine, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS, BMBS, BM BCh, MB BCh BAO, or MBChB).