Hm?

I have quite a few friends that studied medicine and are now working as “Facharzt” in hospitals. All said they needed to have 4 published articles as author’s or co author’s plus a dissertation just to start the journey of becoming specialized doctors. Their degree was after they defended their dissertations.

In Germany a doctor in medicine has to write a dissertation subject to a specific topic that deepens scientific understanding. Having a few articles in science magazines is also usual.