PhD in Health Studies is the highest academic degree in the health-related field that prepares scholarly professionals in healthcare. Students of PhD in health programs develop an advanced level of knowledge and training in a scientific discipline related to the various processes that influence health, or to the delivery and organization of health services. A PhD degree in health typically leads to a high-level career in teaching, administration, practice, or applied research, all of which require advanced conceptual and analytical capabilities. The study programs usually take PhD students 4 to 5 years to complete. This time period comprises 2 years of coursework followed by 2 to 3 years to complete and defend a doctoral dissertation.

PhD in Health is a perfect study option for those who wish to conduct high-level research and have a leader career in the field of healthcare. Graduates have benefits both when it comes to career options and the level of salary. Taking a PhD in Health can offer important benefits on the personal level as well: graduates are able to contribute to the improvement of the health of the population through high-quality research focusing on crucial topics in healthcare, and the results can later be translated into practice and policy.

PhD programs in Health provide students with the crucial analytical and theoretical skills, which can be used to address a broad spectrum of issues connected to health services, as well as to health policy. Students also receive advanced training in research methods to advance knowledge of the central issues to the improvement of health. An important part of the PhD program is the completion of a doctoral dissertation, which outlines the findings of independent and original research conducted by the student. PhD candidates must typically defend their PhD thesis in front of an examination committee of experts at the end of their doctoral studies. There are numerous PhD specializations to choose from, some of the most popular ones being nutrition, public health, nursing, pharmacy, bio-medical science, clinical psychology, and social work.

The main career paths for graduates from a PhD program in health include research, clinical practice, education, and administration. PhD in Health studies prepares students for advanced research careers in universities, policy-making organizations, as well as in the healthcare industry. Graduates with a PhD in Health studies are qualified for conducting teaching and research with high scientific insight and can apply for academic positions at universities, colleges, and research institutes. Many graduates are also employed in the private sector, nonprofit research organizations, consulting groups, international health agencies, or research centers.

Depending on the country, the educational institution, and the type of program, the costs of taking a PhD in Health vary greatly. In some countries, PhD students pay tuition fees while in other countries, they are hired as research staff by the university. Some faculties provide grants that cover training-related expenses. Other possibilities to cover some costs of the PhD are fellowships, stipends, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships.

PhD in Health should not be confused with an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree. The main difference between the two is that PhD programs are typically research-oriented, while MD programs are more professionally oriented. The exact difference between PhD and MD degrees further depends on the educational tradition of the country where the specific program is offered.