In general, these degrees are awarded on the basis of a substantial body of academic work, both original and more significant than would be required for a D.Phil. (Oxford’s Ph.D. equivalent). These are emphatically not equivalent to the continental higher doctorates, however: as I understand it, the continental degrees are required for a permanent appointment. The Oxford higher doctorates are primarily intended as an honor to bestow on particularly eminent scholars or other people who the University wishes to recognize.
They are not well-known outside of the academic community, which probably explains the puzzlement of some other UK posters.
In Tenn. you may call yourself an engineer or architect but you MAY NOT advertise as such unless you have been examined and issued a license as a Registered Engineer or Architect.
I assume this principal applies to most if not all other professions as well.
Yes. Foreign MD’s are often employed in research hospitals–to do research. Lab work, data analysis, etc. They are often addressed as “Doctor” & “MD” appears on their office door.
However, they are NOT practicing medicine. They must pass special exams & go through a residency program (even if they did so back home) in order to become licensed. Reasons? (1) To protect the USA from badly trained foreigners. (2) To protect the AMA from competition.
Not well-known outside of Oxbridge, I suspect! (Until today, I wouldn’t have thought of a DMus as being any different from a DPhil or PhD in the subject…)