Medical students often learn how to perform exploratory surgery procedures, such as laparotomy and laparoscopy, to determine the nature of a health issue. This type of surgery is typically done when other diagnostic tests have come up negative.

A Doctorate of Philosophy, or PhD, may require eight years or more to complete, as well as a dissertation. In most fields, the possession of a PhD qualifies the holder to become a professor of a chosen subject. There are many different programs available.