Best Answer: A PhD is a research based degree. Physicians are MDs, Medical Doctors or DOs, Osteopathic Doctors. So to become a physician, you do not need a PhD. Generally, PhDs are awarded in fields outside of medicine. Also, while NPs and Physician Assistants can prescribe medication, they only practice under the supervision of an MD or DO. That is, there are only two types of doctor.
Princeton's WordNet(4.75 / 4 votes)Rate this definition: 1  light, illumination(noun) a condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination. 2  illumination(noun) the degree of visibility of your environment. 3  clarification, elucidation, illumination(noun) an interpretation that removes obstacles to understanding.
Definition of shade for Students. 1  1 : space sheltered from light or heat and especially from the sun I needed to sit in the shade of a tree. 2  2 : partial darkness The trees cast shade. 3  3 : something that blocks off or cuts down light a lamp shade a window shade.  4 : the darkness or lightness of a color four shades of brown.